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HI.STOET 



r 



OF 



LABETTE COUNTY, 



KANSAS, 



FROM THE FIRST SETTLE^IEXT TO 
THE CLOSE OF 1892. 



By :NELSo:sr case. 



5 ,,' 



TOPEKA, KANSAS: 
CRAXE <fe COMPANY, PUBLISHERS. 

18 9 3. 



DEDICATION. 



rpo 



the Pioneers of the Sixties, "vvhose heroic self-sacrifice 



concLuered the difficulties and ^privations ^vhich heset 
them, and thereby made possible t»he comforts enjoj^ed by 
their successors in the Nineties, this imperfect record of 
their achievements is respectfully dedicated by the Author. 



PEE FACE. 



On May 15, 1891, the following report was made to the Labette County 
Historical Society, by a committee that had theretofore been appointed : 

"•To the Labette County Historical Society: We, your committee ap- 
pointed to consider and report upon the advisability of preparing and 
publishing a history of our county, having had the same under consider- 
ation, report and recommend as follows : 

"1st. We believe the time has come when, for the general good, the 
history of Labette county should be collected and put in shape for use 
and preservation. 

"3d. That to secure such preparation, one person should be selected 
and appointed as historian, and everyone should be requested to con- 
tribute such facts and information as are within his or her knowledge 
which will help to make the history accurate and complete. 

"3d. We recommend that Hon. Nelson Case be appointed county his- 
torian, and invited to undertake the work of writing a history of this 
county at as early a day as practicable, to be submitted to the county 
society for its approval. 

"4th. For the successful carrying out of the proposed undertaking, 
everyone is invited to give such assistance as is within his or her power. 

"All of which is respectfully submitted. 

J. B. Cook, 

Angell Matthewsox, 

Mild Hildreth, 

Committee.''^ 

This report was unanimously adopted by the Society. 

In compliance with the request therein contained, I soon entered upon 
the task of gathering information, with the hope of having the work 
completed within a year. During most of the following winter, in which 
I had expected to do the main part of the work, family afflictions pre- 
vented my accomplishing anything to speak of. During the past spring 
and summer I devoted as much time to the work as my business would 

(5) 



6 PREFACE. 



allow, and by the first of October the work was practically completed. 
Since then I have done what I could to gather data that were hard to 
secure, to complete several of the subjects treated of. 

To those who know me, and who are at all familiar with my business, 
I hardly need to say that my labor on this volume has been principally 
performed at such times as most people take either for sleep or rest. It 
goes to the printer as first written or dictated, and therefore, almost of 
necessity, will in many respects present an unfinished appearance. For 
the sake of a more accurate statement of facts, as well as for the pur- 
pose of presenting a work with more literary merits, I should have been 
glad, could I have taken the time, to have rewritten the entire volume ; 
but as I have not the time to devote to that purpose, I send it forth in its 
original garb. 

Herodotus, in the opening sentence of his immortal history, says that 
the object of its production was "to preserve from oblivion the memory 
of former incidents." I have tried to have a no less worthy object in 
writing the following pages. 

It is perhaps but fair to mention some of the sources from which the 
facts herein recorded have been derived. I cannot say of this book what 
Virgil, as translated by Dryden, makes ^neas say in reference to the 
transactions which he was recording, that it is simply an account of 

"All that I saw, and part of which I was," 

for very many of the most important events herein recorded took place 
before 1 ever set foot on Kansas soil. It was on May 15, 1869, that, 
having ti-aveled afoot and alone from Osage Mission, I first saw the 
blooming prairies of Labette county, and about 2 o'clock in the afternoon 
for the first time walked into the comparatively new but beautiful town 
of Oswego. Since then I have been somewhat familiar with the current 
events of our history as they have transpired within our borders ; and 
yet, knowing as I do the treachery of human memory, I would not dare 
to write a history depending alone on my recollection even of the events 
of which I have been personally cognizant. I have sought for facts 
wherever I could find them, but have recorded scarcely anything with- 



PREFACE. 



out having procured the information from more than one source. I have 
tried to verify the facts given in every way within my power. I have 
visited all parts of the county, have talked witli as many of the old 
settlers as I could, and have obtained their recollections of the events so 
far as they were able to give them ; I have gone through the files of our 
county newspapers, and have procured much information from them ; I 
have examined many of the official records and reproduced a part of 
them in these pages ; 1 have consulted church and school records when- 
ever I have had an opportunity; I have had access to several diaries 
kept by old settlers for a series of years. Out of all the material I have 
obtained in these and other ways, I have tried to eliminate the legendary 
and the fictitious, and to present only that which has actually occurred. 
It would have been comparatively easy to write a romance, but I have 
chosen the harder task of recording only history. 

To intimate that I have come anywhere near satisfying myself, would 
not be in accordance with truth. To anyone who is disposed to severely 
criticise the work I may say if he will come to me I think I can point 
out to him more defects than he is likely to suggest without my aid. To 
those who think I have omitted to mention the most important events 
that have occurred in our history, I may be permitted to reply that if they 
had taken half the pains to communicate the facts within their knowledge 
that I have taken to try to secure them, many more events might have 
been given. I assure the reader that I do not send this forth with any 
idea that it is either perfect or complete. There will be plenty for some 
one else to do when he wants to engage in a similar undertaking. Be- 
sides the personal interviews and inquiries of which I have spoken, I 
have written more than five himdred personal letters, very few of which 
have been answered ; have sent out several times as many circular letters 
asking for facts, and have done all I could to obtain the information from 
which I could present a truthful record of every important feature of our 
county history. . In the attempt which I have thus made I can scarcely 
hope to have accomplished more than to lay the foundation of facts on 
which, in due time, some one with greater ability than I possess, and 
with more time at his disposal than I am able to command, sliall con- 



8 PREFACE. 



struct a history that shall fully aucl fairly present the settlement and 

development of one of the most enlightened and prosperous counties 

within the bounds of one of the finest and most progressive States in the 

American Union. ^,^^ 

NELSON CASE. 

Oswego, Kansas, December 31, 1892. 



COlsTEISrTS. 



Eakly History 13 

Origin of our Laws and the Sources of Titles to our Homes — 
Discoveries — Charters — Treaties — Territorial Government — 
The Osages — Survey of Reservation— Schools— Chiefs— Towns 
— Battle — The Two Bands — Character — Bury ing-Grouuds — 
Treaties with the Osages— John Mathews— Early Expeditions- 
Early Settlements— Surveys — Labette — Boundary. 

Pekmanext Settlement, Organization, and Groavth, ... 33 
Organization of the County— Land Titles — Hardships — First 
Administration — County Seat and County -Seat Contests — 
County Buildings — Furnishing County Offices — Self -Organ- 
ized Courts — The District Court — Home for the Poor — List of 
Superintendents of Poor-Farm — Bridges — U. S. Census — As- 
sessment for 1867 — Tax Sales — County Expenses — Colored 
People — Athletics — Official Delinquencies — Reception of Presi- 
dent Hayes. 

Industkiae — County Oroanizations, 60 

First Wheat Crops — Castor Beans — The Cotton Industry — 
Grasshoppers — Fish and Game — Bounty — Dehorning Stock — 
Tables showing Acreage, Product and Value of Field Crops — 
Farmers' Organizations, (Grange, Alliance, &c.) — Fair Associa- 
tions — Agricultural and Horticultural Societies — Labette County 
Historical Society — Other Local Organizations. 

CiiiMiNAL Matters, 79 

Assassinations, &c., &c. — The Bender Slaughter -Pen — Vigi- 
lance Committee — Citizens' Protective Association. 

Mishaps, 91 

Drownings — Conflagrations — Boiler Explosions — Deaths by 
Fire, &c., c^c. 

Meteorological, 9-1 

The Weather, embracing the period from 186.") to 1892. 



10 CONTENTS. 



Storms, 100 

Municipal Townships, 102 

A Condeused History of all the Townships in the County, from 
the Date of the Organization of each Township up to the Pres- 
ent Time. 

Towns and Cities, 130 

Proposed Towns, (containing some account of the various towns 
which at one time had an actual or "paper" existence, but are 
now dead) — The Cities, Towns and Stations in Labette County 
as existing at present. 

Educational, 181 

Public Schools — The First Schools in the County — Detailed 
History of each School District — Grading Country Schools — 
Teachers' Institutes — County Teachers' Association — Private 
Schools — County High School — Hobsou Normal Institute — Os- 
wego College — Osage College for Young Ladies — Literary Cir- 
cles. 

Railroads, 330 

Roads Attempted to be Secured — Roads Constructed — Railroad 
Strikes. 

Political, 330 

Brief Account of all the Conventions of the Various Political 
Parties, beginning with those of 1866 — Candidates for Judicial 
Honors — Elections — Commissioner Districts — Legislative Ap- 
portionment — List of Officers — List and Terms of Chairmen of 
Board of County Commissioners — List of Official Papers. 

The Struggle for Temperance, 358 

Tlie First Licensed Saloon — The Crusade Spirit — Reform Club — 
Breweries — Murphy Meetings — Dispensing with Petition — Tem- 
perance Organizations — The Prohibition Canvass — First Anni- 
versary of Prohibition — Organizations for Enforcing the Law — 
Druggists' Reports — "Original Package" Houses. 

Postoffices and Postmasters, 373 

A Complete List of the Postoffices and Postmasters of Labette 
County, from 18(55 to the Present. 



CONTENTS. \ \ 



The Press, 277 

Brief Account of each Newspaper or Periodical which has been 
Published iu the County. 

Religious Organizations, 293 

History of every Religious Organization, (embracing Churches, 
Sabbath Schools, Bible Societies, Y. M. C. A., &c., &c.) which 
has existed iu the County. 

The Settlers' Contest for Their Homes, 356 

Preliminary Steps in the Contest — Settlers' Meetings— Basis for 
their Claims — Action of Congress and of the Land Depart- 
ment — Attitude of the Local Press — Settlers' Protective Associ- 
ation — Its Constitution — Legal Measures — Further Legisla- 
tion — Final Victory. 



History of Labette County 



EARLY HISTOEY. 



The English claim to this continent, like that of all the European 
governments which made claim thereto, was based on discovery. In 
1496 King Henry YII granted a commission to John Cabot to discover 
countries then unknown to Christian people, and to take possession of 
them in the name of the King of England. Under this commission Cabot 
and his son Sebastian the following year discovered the continent of 
North America, and setting up the English standard took possession of 
the same in the name of the King of England some fourteen months prior 
to the discovery of the main land of America by Columbus. In 1498, 
John Cabot having in the meantime died, Sebastian made another voyage 
and explored the coast as far south as Virginia. From these discoveries 
England dates her claim to this continent. 

In 1606 James I granted a charter to Sir Thomas Gates and others, au- 
thorizing them to colonize the New World. Under this charter two conj- 
panies were formed. One, called the London Company, was to send out 
the "First Colony of Virginia," who were to settle between the 34th and 
38th degrees of north latitude, and whose possessions were to extend in- 
land without bound ; under this grant the first permanent English settle- 
ment in America was made, at Jamestown, in KiOT. The other company 
under this charter, called the Western Company, was to send out the 
"Second Colony of Virginia," who were to settle between the 41st and 
45th degrees of north latitude. This county is embraced within the first 
of these grants. 

On May 23, 1609, the London Company was granted a new charter by 
King James, under letters patent running to Robert, Earl of Salisbury, 
and others, constituting them a body corporate under the style of "The 
Treasurer and Company of Adventurers and Planters of the City of Lon- 
don for the First Colony of Virginia." By this patent the company was 
granted "All the lands, countries and territories situate, lying and being 
in that part of North America called Virginia, from the point of land 

(13) 



^4: HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

called Cape or Point Comfort all along the seacoast to the northward two 
hundred miles ; and from said Cape or Point Comfort all along the sea- 
coast to the southward two hundred miles, and all that space and circuit 
of land lying from the seacoast of the precinct aforesaid up into the 
land throughout from the sea, west and northwest; and also all the 
islands lying within one hundred miles along the coast of both seas of 
the precinct aforesaid, with all the soil, grounds, rights, privileges and 
appurtenances to these territories belonging, and in the letters patent 
particularly enumerated." 

In March, 1612, a third charter was granted this London company, but 
without changing the boundaries of its grant from what they were under 
its prior charter. 

By the terms of the first charter of which I have spoken, the superior 
council of the company were appointed by the king; and under the 
king's advice and direction this company was to ordain and remove the 
resident council. The king retained the supreme legislative authority in 
himself. Emigrants were promised that they and their children should 
continue Englishmen. The state religion of England was established 
here, and capital punishment was prescribed for several offenses. Lauds 
were to descend according to the laws of England. 

By the second charter the powers reserved to the king in the first were 
given to the company. The council were to be elected by the share- 
holders, and they might endow emigrants with the rights of Englishmen. 
Colonists were given a few acres of ground, and the right of private 
property was firmly established. By the third charter, power was trans- 
ferred from the council to the company, through which the colonists 
might be granted all the rights belonging to the people of England. 
Under this charter the first American representative legislature assem- 
bled at Jamestown on July 30, 1619. In 1624, in an action of quo 
warranto, this corporation was dissolved by judgment of the court of 
King's Bench, and its rights reverted to the crown of England. 

By the treaty of Paris, signed on February 10, 1763, entered into 
between Great Britain, Spain and France, the latter released to the 
former all claim to the territory east of the Mississippi except New Or- 
leans, while all the territory west of that river was ceded to France. 
From this time we ceased to be a dependency of the English and became 
attached to the French crown. 

In 1762, by the secret treaty of Fontainbleau, France ceded upper 
Louisiana, embracing the territory we now occupy, to Spain, though the 
latter did not take possession of the same till 1770. 

On October 1, 1800, by the treaty of St. Ildefonso, Spain retroceded 



EARLY HISTORY. \^ 



Louisiana to France. Those wlio lived here from 1770 to 1800 were 
therefore under Spanish rule, and all changes of title during that time 
must have been, by Spanish laws. 

On April 30, 1803, the treaty of Paris was concluded, by the provisions 
of which the French Republic sold the entire province of Louisiana to 
the United States, since which time we have been a part of her territory 
and subject to her laws. 

LAWS PRIOR TO THE ORGANIZATION OF KANSAS 
TERRITORY. 

On October 31, 1803, the law was approved authorizing the President 
to take possession of the French (Louisiana) purchase, and to provide 
for its government until a government should be provided by Congress. 

On March 26, 1804, the President approved the act dividing the French 
purchase into two districts, viz. : the Territory of Orleans, to embrace all 
the purchase lying south of the 33d degree of latitude, for which a terri- 
torial government was provided ; and all the purchase lying north of that 
line was designated the District of Louisiana, the government of which 
was placed under the governor and judges of the Indiana Territory, and 
these officers were authorized to exercise legislative as well as executive 
and judicial functions over the district. 

In pursuance of the authority conferred by this act of Congress, the 
governor and judges of the Indiana Territory ordained and promulgated 
a body of laws, most of which went into operation October 1, 1804. Va- 
rious crimes were defined and punishments therefor provided ; courts 
were established ; slavery was recognized throughout the territory, and 
minute regulations were prescribed for the conduct and government of 
negroes; provision was made for recording legal instruments, for licens- 
ing attorneys, for practice in court, and for marriage. 

By act of Congress of March 3, 1805, the District of Louisiana was 
changed to the Territory of Louisiana, and a territorial government pro- 
vided, consisting of a governor and three judges, who were also to exer- 
cise legislative functions. 

By act of Congress approved June 4, 1813, and which went into opera- 
tion on the first Mooday of December, 1812, the name of the Territory 
was changed from Louisiana to Missouri, and a legislative assembly was 
added to the executive and judicial departments of government. 

By a law of the General Assembly of the Territory of Missouri, ap- 
proved January 19, 181(3, the common law of England, so far as not in- 
consistent with the laws of the United States, was declared to be in force, 
but the doctrine of survivorship in case of joint tenancy, it was ex- 
pressly declared, should never be in force. 



IQ HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. , 

Oa March 6, 1820, the famous compromise measure of Henry Clay be- 
came a law by ihe approval of the President, whereby that portion of 
the Territory of Missouri embraced within the bounds of the present 
State of Missouri was authorized to form a constituiton and be admitted 
into the Union as a State, and from all the remainder of said Territory, 
lying north of 3(5 degrees 30 minutes, slavery and involuntary servitude 
vs^ere forever excluded. In pursuance of this authority a constitution was 
adopted and Missouri was fully admitted into the Union by proclamation 
of the President, dated August 10, 1821. 

In 1850 the slavery agitation was reopened in Congress, and several 
acts passed as another compromise, among them the establishment of 
territorial governments for New Mexico and Utah, with provisions in 
each for their admission "into the Union, with or without slavery, as 
their constitutions may prescribe at the time of their admission" ; and an 
act making more stringent provisions for the apprehension and return of 
fugitive slaves. 

By "An act to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian tvibes, 
and to preserve peace on the frontiers," approved June 30, 1834, Con- 
gress declared all the territory west of Missouri and Arkansas "Indian 
Country," and attached, among others, the Osage country to the Terri- 
tory of Arkansas, and declared the laws of the United States providing 
for the punishment of crimes committed in territory under the exclusive 
jurisdiction of the United States to be in force in such Indian Country. 
This arrangement continued to the formation of the territorial govern- 
ment. 

TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT. 

By "An act to organize the Territories of Nebraska and Kansas," ap- 
proved May 30, 1854, Congress organized the territory now forming the 
State of Kansas into a Territory, and provided for it a government con- 
sisting of executive, legislative and judicial departments. By sec. 27, 
writs of error were to be allowed from the Supreme Court of the Terri- 
tory to the Supreme Court of the United States "in all cases involving 
title to slaves," without regard to the amount in controversy; and pro- 
vision was made for enforcing the Fugitive Slave act of 1850. 

In July, 1855, the first Territorial Legislature met, and enacted what 
were popularly known as the Bogus Laws. These were almost a tran- 
script of the laws of Missouri. Some recognition seems to have been 
given them by some subsequent amendments, and repeal of certain parts, 
but as a whole, so far as I know, they were never formally repealed ; and 
yet no one, when the people got control of matters out of the hands of 
the border-ruffians, ever paid any attention to their provisions when they 



EARLY HISTORY. J 7 



coDflicted with his convictions of right. Probably the most objectionable 
feature was the one relating to slavery. 

By chapter 151 of this enactment, slavery was recognized as an exist- 
ing institution, and severe penalties were enforced for any interference 
therewith. By this law it was made a felony to deny the right of prop- 
erty in slaves, or to print or circulate any book, pamphlet or paper 
denying such right. 

The only other provision particularly affecting the people of this county 
was the creation of the county of Dorn, embracing what is now Neosho 
and Labette counties. 

On January 29, 1861, Kansas was admitted into the Union under the 
Wyandotte Constitution. Under this constitution and the laws made by 
authority thereof most of us have lived since our residence in this county. 

THE OSAGES. 

"Whether or not the Osages were the autochthones of this county I 
leave for the antiquarians to determine, but for the purposes of this work 
I shall not go back of their settlement here to inquire who, if anyone, 
preceded them to this country. The Government's intercourse with this 
tribe seems to have commenced in 1808, when on November 10, 180S, a 
treaty was concluded at Fort Clark, on the Missouri river, by the terms of 
which the United States received the tribe into its fellowship and under 
its protection, and the Osages ceded to the United States all their terri- 
tory lying east of a line running south from Fort Clark to the Arkansas 
river. The next important treaty with this tribe was made June 2, 1825, 
at St. Louis. By the provisions of this treaty the Osages relinquishe'd to 
the Government all their land lying south of the Kansas river and'north 
and west of the Bed river, east of a line drawn south from the s/aairces of 
the Kansas through Bock Saline, excepting a strip fifty miles wide ex- 
tending from a line twenty-five miles west of the Missouri State line to 
the west line of the ceded territory. The southern part of Allen, to- 
gether with Neosho and Labette counties, formed the territory on the east 
line of this reservation, which extended west nearly across the State. 

Soon after the conclusion of this treaty the Osages moved to Kansas, 
and began settling along the Neosho and Verdigris rivers ; these settle- 
ments commenced as early as 1827. Prior to this their home had been 
farther east, and this had formed their hunting-ground. Here they were 
when our people commenced settling this county, in 1865."^ 

SURVEY OF RESERVATIOX. 

The northeast corner of this reservation was established by Major 
Angus Langham, in 1827, and the east and south lines as far west as 



18 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

the Arkansas river were surveyed and established by him that year. It 
was not until 1836 that the north line was definitely surveyed and estab- 
lished, by John C. McCoy. 

SCHOOLS. 

About 1826 the Presbyterians established a school on the left bank of 
the Marais des Cygnes, near the present site of Pappinsville, Bates 
county, Missouri, called Harmony Mission. A year later they established 
another school, at Saline, in the Cherokee Nation. These schools did 
not prosper, and after they were broken up the Presbyterians erected a 
large house on the east bank of Four-Mile creek, in Neosho county, just 
above its junction with the Neosho. Father John Schoenmaker started 
the Catholic Mission in the spring of 1847. 

CHIEFS. 

Parties who have long been acquainted with the Osages tell me that to 
entitle a party to the position of civil chief, he had to have a mother of a 
chief-bearing family. The Beaver family, if not the only, was the prin- 
cipal one from whom the women came whose children were entitled to 
obtain the position of civil chief. There was not only a principal civil 
chief, but also the chiefs who led the bands in war ; to this latter class 
Chetopa belonged. It is said he could not become a civil chief, not hav- 
ing a mother who produced a candidate for that position ; but he was the 
principal war chief, and when on the war-path outranked the civil chief. 
He was a great friend of Dr. Lisle. It was for him that the town of 
Chetopa was named. White Hair, who was the principal chief on the 
arrival of the first white settlers, was a man of great force and authority. 
He was born in Neosho county, about 1834, and died of consumption, at 
his camp on the Verdigris, December 24, 1869.^' 

TOWNS. 

The position of the chief's town, as that of the towns of the others, 
varied from time to time. Their improvements were not such as to 
make it impossible to change location when circumstances seemed to 
demand it. On a map of the Osage country, made in 1836 by John C. 
McCoy, who surveyed and ran the north line of the reservation, "White 
Hair Town" was located on the west side of the Neosho river, about one- 
fourth of the way from the north to the south boundary of the reserva- 
tion. A copy of this map, which was furnished to the St. Louis office of 
the Bureau of Indian Atfairs, is now in our State Historical Society. 
Subsequently we find White Hair Town at a point farther down the 
river, but probably all the time it was somewhere in Neosho county. At 
the foot of the bluff north and east of Oswego, as well as at other points 



EARLY HIS 7 OR Y. -j^Q 



within a few miles of Oswego, are still to be foimcl unmistakable evi- 
dences of the sites of their towns, which must have been inhabited for 
very many years. Dr. W. S. Xewlon has made something of a study of 
the subject of their villages, implements, etc. 

BATTLE. 

About 1837 there was a bloody encounter between a band of Cherokees 
under the command of Captain Rogers;" who lived at the salt works on 
Grand river, and who was an uncle of Lewis Rogers of Chetopa, and the 
Little Town band of Osages, in a grove a few miles south of Oswego. 
About 100 of the Osages, embracing nearly all of the band, were killed 
White Hair, who was then a small boy, and who afterward became the 
principal chief, was away from the band at the time, and was thus 
spared. The Osages were all drunk, and were butchered -men, women 
and children alike. This butchery was in revenge for an expedition that 
they had made down in the Cherokee country a short time before. Dr. 
Lisle has told me he got this information direct from White Hair himself 
and also the same from a man by the name of Etter, who was with Cap- 
tain Rogers on the Cherokee side. 

It is said that in 1862 or 1863 a band of Missouri rebels on their way 
to the western plains or mountains, were surprised by a baud of Osages 
in what is now Osage township in this county ; the rebels were sur- 
rounded by the Indians, and all but two were killed. In regard to this 
matter I have no information except that which I get from the old 
settlers, who in turn claim to have gotten it from the Indians, or some 
one with them. 

THE TWO BAXDS. 

Rev. Isaac McCoy in his history of Baptist Indian Missions, on pa-e 
358, says that the Osages lived on the Missouri in two settlements and 
were known among Indians and those familiar with Indian affair^ as 
upper settlement, or people, and lower settlement, or people; and 're- 
marks that the whites, who were ignorant of their language, fancied that 
one was called "tall people" and the other "short people." He says that 
this was the origin of the designation Great and Little Osages. Tho«e 
designated the "upper people," which the whites took to mean tall 
Vi^ople. being the Great Osages, and those designated "lower people " 
supposed by the whites to mean short people, the Little Osages. He 
says: "In most of our treaties with the Osages they have been repre- 
sented as composed of two distinct bands, called Great and Little O^age^ • 
uo such distinction in reality exists, or ever did exist. The supposition 
originated m the ignorance and awkwardness of traders among them.'' 



20 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

This account was given in 1828, and seems to furnish a plausible theory 
of the origin of this designation ; but we must remember that these terms 
were used in our first treaty with them, in 1808. 

CHARACTER. 

I have not sufficient acquaintance with Indian matters to be able to 
attempt anything like a description of the Osages, or to assign to them 
the character to which they are probably entitled, but the facts of their 
history as we gather them from the reports of their doings, lead me to 
suppose that they were not of that savage and barbarous disposition which 
some have attributed to them, and which characterizes so many of the 
Indian tribes. I should rather say of them that they were expert cattle 
and horse thieves, and that among them a person's life was less in dan- 
ger than his jewelry and clothing. 

BURYING-GROUNDS. 

The mode of burial among the Osages was to place the corpse in a sit- 
ting posture on the ground, at most only in a slight excavation, and pile 
around it a heap of stones for its protection. When the early settlers 
came here many such graves were seen in which the skeleton was re- 
maining intact, and in some instances the flesh scarcely yet having en- 
tirely disappeared. There were a number of these burial-places located 
in this county — one in Neosho township, on the county line, one or more 
where Oswego now is, and others farther west. 

TREATIES. 

The treaty with this tribe in which our people are especially interested 
was concluded at Canville trading-post, nearly on the site, but a short 
distance east of the present station of Shaw, between Erie and Chanute, 
on the 29th of September, 1865. M. W. Reynolds was clerk of the com- 
mission which negotiated this treaty. When it reached the Senate its 
ratification with certain amendments was made on June 26, 1866. These 
amendments were accepted by the Indians on September 21, 1866, and 
the treaty as thus amended was proclaimed by the President and became 
operative January 21, 1867. 

By the first article of this treaty a strip thirty miles in width on the 
east end of their lands was sold to the United States. This was after- 
wards known as the Osage Ceded Lands, and is principally embraced in 
the counties of Neosho and Labette. 

By the second article of the treaty the Osages ceded to the United 
States in trust a strip twenty miles in wMdth ofl" the north side of the re- 
mainder of their lands. This was known as the Osage Trust Lauds. 



EARLY HISTORY. 21 



The remaiuiug portion of their lands was thereafter known as the Osage 
Diminished Reservation. 

On May 27, 1868, another treaty was concluded with the Osages, on 
Drum creek, which was commonly known as the Sturgis treaty, because 
of the controlling spirit of William Sturgis in securing its negotiation. 
By the terms of this treaty the entire tract included in said Diminished 
reservation, estimated to contain 8,000,000 acres, was sold to the Leaven- 
worth, Lawrence & Galveston R. R. Co., but supposed to be largely for 
the benefit of Mr. Sturgis, who had secured the treaty, at the agreed 
price of $1,600,000, or about twenty cents an acre. 

By the time this treaty reached the Senate the settlers were aroused, 
and at once a determined fight was made against its ratification. Great 
credit is due to Congressman Clarke for the active measures by him 
inaugurated in the House to bring to light the objectionable features of 
the treaty. Its ratification was never secured. 

By an act approved July 15, 1870, the President was directed to remove 
the Osage Indians from the State of Kansas to the Indian Territory as 
soon as they would agree thereto. 

About the middle of September following, a council with the Indians 
was held on Drum creek, and arrangements agreed on for their final 
removal from the State. This removal took place within the following 
few months, since which time their home has been in the Territory just 
south of the State line. 

/ JOHN MATHEWS. 

John Mathews was a native, some say of Virginia and others of Ken- 
tucky, and at a very early day — usually given at about 1840, but the ex- 
act date is not known — he came among the Osages as a trader, and became 
their blacksmith. His name does not appear among those on the Gov- 
ernment roll of blacksmiths for the Osages in 1843, and if he had come 
among them at that time he had probably not secured Government em- 
ployment. His name appears among the Government blacksmiths for 
the Seuecas and Shawnees in 1839, so it seems certain that between that 
time and 1843 he came among the Osages. He settled near the edge of 
the bhiff in the east part of Oswego, where he maintained a trading-post 
and erected several buildings. These buildings stood partly on what is 
now block 61, and extended north across Fourth avenue and on to block 
60. They were used by him as a residence, a place where travelers were 
entertained, for his store and warehouse, and for the care of his stock. 
The remains of the ruins of some of these buildings may still be seen in 
the street about 125 feet east of the northeast corner of the Park, on 



22 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

block 52. He got water from the spriug at the intersection of Fourth 
avenue and Union street. Mathews was a very popular man among the 
Indians. He had for his wife a full-blooded Osage, and raised a large 
family of children. He had an extensive trade, and is said to have ac- 
cumulated a large property, all of which was destroyed or captured at 
the time of his death. He had some fine stock, and kept a race-course 
just south of his residence. At the outbreak of the war he joined his 
interests with the Southern Confederacy, became a colonel in the Rebel 
army, and generally has the reputation of being engaged in the sacking 
of Humboldt, in August, 1861; but Dr. Lisle, who knew him well, says 
he was not with the force at the time of the occurrence of that event, and 
did not arrive there until after the raid of the place, and was in no wise 
responsible for it. After this the United States forces became very much 
exasperated at the conduct of the Rebels in the sacking of Humboldt, 
and determined to take speedy revenge. Mathews, being credited with 
having conducted the raid, was sought after, and those in pursuit de- 
termined upon his capture or death, and a party was organized to pro- 
ceed south and take him. 

Col. W. A. Johnson, of Garnett, and Dr. George Lisle, of Chetopa, 
have furnished me the information on which the following account is 
based. 

One detachment came down the river from Humboldt, and another 
from Fort Lincoln in Bourbon county, the two detachments expecting to 
meet near the mouth of Lightning creek. This force was composed of 
some enlisted men and many civilians who had not been mustered into 
the service, numbering perhaps two or three hundred, only a part of 
whom arrived at the place where Mathews was found. They were all 
under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Blunt. Among the civilians 
who were in the company were Preston B. Plumb, of Emporia, and W. A. 
Johnson, of Garnett. They marched down on the east side of the 
Neosho river, crossed the river at Rocky Ford, and came up and sur- 
rounded the house owned by Wm. Blythe on the west side of the Neosho, 
and just above the State line, being in what is now Cherokee county. 
The house was then occupied by Lewis Rogers. It was now just daylight ; 
Mathews had come from his home the day before, stopping at Dr. Lisle's 
in the evening to get something to eat, and then, on his way south, ar- 
rived at the home of Rogers after dark. The scouts had seen him go 
there, and the troops were reasonably certain that they had found the 
man for whom they were hunting. A demand was made that Mathews 
be delivered to them. The house was surrounded by corn and high 
weeds ; Mathews came out of the back door, partially dressed, with a 



EARLY HISTORY. 23 



double-barrel shotgun in his hand ; he was at once riddled with bullets ; 
no oue knew whose shot did the work. This was in the latter part of 
September, 1861 ; corn was then just getting ripe enough for use. That day 
a part of the troops returned to the Chetopa settlement and arrested all 
the men whom they found living there at the time, and took them to Math- 
ews's place, or Little Town, where that evening they were tried by court- 
martial. Among those arrested were James Bowles, George Ewers, Mr. 
White, Joel Combs, and Dr. George Lisle. It was ascertained that Combs 
was a government detective, and had been working up evidence to Im- 
plicate some of the residents as sympathizers with the Rebel cause. 
Colonel Blunt presided at the trial, and Captain Brooks acted as clerk. 
After a full investigation, and all the testimony had been introduced, 
nothing was found implicating any of the parties arrested, and they 
were all discharged. They were allowed to remain under Government 
protection over night, and the next day they started for their homes 
\inder an escort to protect them outside of the limits, where they were 
likely to be molested by any of the troops. During the night one of the 
soldiers had exchanged an old broken-down horse for Dr. Lisle's animal, 
which was in much better condition, and it took a peremptory order 
from Colonel Blunt to induce him to deliver to the Doctor his horse when 
he was ready to start home. Before this party was out of sight the 
Mathews premises were set on fire and all destroyed. 

Mathews had his burying-ground on the high land at the intersection 
of Union street and First avenue. A number of graves are still visible. 
Until within a few years there stood at the head of one of these graves a 
common sandstone with the following inscription cut thereon: "A. E. 
Mathes. Departed this life April 10, A. D. 1857. Aged 11 years, 7 
months, 27 days." It will be noticed that in the name, as cut on this 
stone, there is no ?r. Several years ago the stone was broken down, 
and is now in the possession of the County Historical Society. Some of 
the writing is partially effaced. 

The early white settlers continued to use this burying-ground for a 
year or two after the settlement commenced in 1865. 

The following letter from the son of John Matthews is of interest, not 
only because of the information it contains, but a so because coming from 
one of the first children born to a white parent on the present site of 
Oswego. I wrote to the uncle referred to in the letter, but could get no 
reply from him : 

"Pawhuska, Indian Ter., Sept. 30, 1891. 

""Nelson Case, Esq., Oswego, Kansas — Dear Sir : I will try and give 
you all the information I can in regard to the old place. It was called 



24 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

Little Town as far back as I can recollect. I was born in the year 1848. 
The stream west of town was named by the Osages ; they called it En- 
gru-scah-op-pa, which means some kind of animal ; then the French 
called it La Bette, which means the same thing. I do not know how 
large the farm was, but from the best information I can gather there 
were one hundred acres on the place where the town now stands, and if 
my memory serves me right, there were thirty acres in the bottom. 

"I do not know what white men settled near our place, but I can find 
out from my sister, who lives thirty miles west from here. From the 
best information I can find out, the place was settled by a man by the 
name of Augustos Chautau, in the year 1843, who sold it to my father,, 
who started a trading-post there in the year 1849. 

"I have an uncle by the name of Allen Matthews, who lives in Neosho, 
Jasper county, Missouri, who can give you more information than I can 
if you will write to him. 

"Hoping this will help you in your work, I remain, 

Yours, ^ g^ Matthew^s.'* 

EARLY EXPEDITIONS. 

The early surveyors and Indian agents made a number of trips through 
this country, several of which we have official accounts of. In Mr. 
McCoy's history of Baptist Indian Missions, at page 355, he says: "On 
the 17th [of November, 1838] we reached the Osage Agency, gave notice 
of our arrival to the Osages, and desired them to meet us in council. On 
the 20th we pitched our tents near the village of the chief called White 
Hair." And further along he says that on November 26, 1828, their ex- 
ploring party camped on the Arkansas at the mouth of the Verdigris, 
river. Their journey in all probability took them through or near the 
present sites of Oswego and Chetopa. After making some surveys in the 
Territory, the party returned, and on December 14th were again at 
White Hair's village. He again speaks of crossing the Neosho into the 
principal village of the Osages on June 30th, on his way to Fort Gibson 
to establish certain boundaries between Indian tribes. 

EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 

The date of settlement of the first wl^ite person in this county is un- 
known ; whether it was John Mathews or some of the parties in the 
neighborhood of Chetopa, I cannot say. The letters which I present 
herewith contain the most authentic information I have been able to 
gather on the subject, and I give them here as I have received them. 



EARLY HISTORY. 25- 



"Pactolus, Benton Co., Ark.,, Dec. 1, 1891. 

''■Hon. Nelson Case^ President Labette Co. Historical Society — Deak 
Siii : In response to your request for some facts relative to early history, 
I will contribute the following. 

"I came to what is now Labette county on January 17, 1847, and 
established a trading-post at the point where Chetopa now stands. 1 
came from Spring Place, Murray county, Georgia. The name of that 
place was spelled with an 'h' at the end — 'Chetopah,' and meant 
four houses; 'Che 'in the Osage Indian language is house, and 'topah' 
is four. Chetopah had a town, and lived on the Verdegree river, west 
or northwest of Chetopa town. He was only chief of his town. Each 
town had a chief and there was a principal chief over all. 

"I found five white, or partially white, families there when I arrived. 
They were the widow Tianna Rogers' and family, consisting of four sons 
and three daughters, all grown, living about one mile north of Chetopa; 
William Blythe, whose wife was a white woman; Finchel Monroe, who 
had a white wife ; Daniel Hopkins, a white man with a Cherokee wife ; 
and a white man named Tucker, who had a Cherokee wife. These 
families lived near Chetopa, on the Neosho river, below where the town 
is at present. In 1848 I married Sarah Rogers', daughter of Tianna 
Rogers; we had born to us three sons and one daughter. Two of my 
sons, John and Albert, live in the Cherokee Nation, ten miles from 
Chetopa. The other two children are dead. Tianna Rogers and all the 
family are dead. 

"John Mathews, a Kentuckian, who had married an Osage woman, 
lived and had a trading -post at the point where Oswego now stands. 
He had been there some years when I came; he had a farm of about 
forty acres in cultivation on the prairie. He had a good house standing 
on top of the blutf in the edge of the prairie ; there was a spring near it, 
just north and east of the house. His house was a framed house, with 
two stone chimneys, the framing timbers hewn out ; it was boarded up on 
the outside with boards split or rived out of burr-oak trees, then shaved 
and smoothed, and the house sided up and painted white. It looked 
quite nice compared with our log houses. His house was plastered on^ 
the inside, done in workmanlike style. All of the rest of the people 
lived in log cabins. I do not know how long he came before I did — 
probably several years. He was a heavy trader, and wealthy. He had 
one negro woman with him who was a slave, till he was killed. He had 
fine blooded race stock, with race-tracks south and west of his house, 
and between his house and his cultivated land ; he had fast horses. He: 



^Q HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

Avould take trips to Missouri, Keutucky, Texas, and other States, racing, 
^nd was very successful. Matliews had a good many horses and cattle. 

"Cattle lived without being fed, and did better in the winter than in 
summer, for in the summer the mosquitoes and green-headed flies nearly 
ate them up. In the fall the pea-vine, and in the winter a winter grass 
and flag that grew around the lakes, made a good range for stock. 
Where you now have good farms we then had large lakes on which 
immense numbers of geese, ducks, pelican, swan, brant, and other fowl, 
flourished. We never fed hogs, but the hickory and other nuts furnished 
food that kept them fat. There were plenty of wild turkey, fish, ante- 
lope, deer, and other game ; also honey-bees, wolves, panthers and other 
wild animals to hunt for traffic, and wild horses could also be caught on 
the prairie. 

"There was a good deal of sickness, principally fever and ague, and 
DO doctor within twenty-two miles; everyone had to be his own doctor. 
The winter of 1848-9, and also that of 1849-50, were unusually cold and 
severe. In the latter the snow was thirty inches deep, crusted on top, 
and stayed on the ground about six weeks. These two winters stock 
suffered a good deal, but other winters were not so bad, although I am 
of the opinion they were colder than they are since the country has set- 
tled up. 

"The settlers lived by hunting and trading with the Osages, and other 
tribes of wild Indians that roamed over the country. The Cherokees 
claimed and extended their laws to the mouth of the Labette creek, un- 
til the south line of Kansas was established. The Osages lived in towns, 
usually along the streams, with one chief to a town. One town, called 
Little Town, was situated where Oswego now stands. Pah-Che-Ka, one 
of the chiefs of the Osages, lived at Little Town. White Hair was the 
principal chief of the Osages, and lived on the Neosho river six miles 
south of Osage Mission, and down the river ; this was the largest town 
in the Osage Nation at that time. 

"The Labette creek took its name from a Frenchman of that name 
w^ho then lived on the creek nearly west of where Oswego now stands. 
He had a full-blood Osage for a wife. It is said he once lived opposite 
the mouth of Labette creek; if he did it was before Dr. Lisle or myself 
saw that country; when I knew him he lived on the Labette, southwest 
of Oswego. He was a very common old Frenchman. 

"There are many things of note that happened in an early day, and 
in the first settling of that country, that I could tell, that I cannot write. 
Yours, Lakkix McGhee." 



EARLY HISTORY. 27 



'•Chetopa, Kansas, August 1, l-iOS. 

'■'Hon. Nelson Case, President of the Hutorkal Society — Dear Judge : 
In compliance with your request for a statement in reference to matters 
connected with my first visit to Labette county, and settlement therein, 
I herewith comply. 

"About 1850 I met a man by the name of Wilfred Cox, on a steam- 
boat on the Ohio river, on his return from the West to his old home in 
Pennsylvania. He was a school teacher, and had taught in various 
places, and finally reached Council Grove, in this State ; thence he came 
down to Osage Mission with stockmen, and from there in one way and 
another got down to the Ambrose McGhee place, near where Chetopa 
now stands. This was sometime probably in 1847 or '48. He built him 
a canoe in which he floated down the river to Van Bureu; after teaching 
school there and at other points in Arkansas he started back home, and 
it was on this return trip that 1 saw him. 

"He gave me a full account of the Neosho river and its scenery, de- 
scribing the valley from north of the Labette to the McGhee place ; he 
said it was the finest valley he had ever seen. I made notes of what he 
said, took a full description of the country, and made a sketch of a map. 
On this information I decided to make a trip as soon as possible to this 
country. On March 20, 1857, in company with Abraham Ewers, George 
Ewers and Samuel Steel, I started from my ho«ne in Powhattan, Belmont 
county, Ohio, for the Neosho valley, at the point last spoken of by Cox. 
1 came on a steamboat to St. Louis, and from there to Osage City, Mis- 
souri, by rail; at that point we botight two yoke of oxen and drove 
through. We came by the Quapaw agency, w^here Major Dorn, the In- 
dian agent, was located, with whom I had a conversation, and arranged 
to meet him a short time thereafter at Osage Mission to act as his clerk 
in the payment to the Indians of the funds coming to them from the 
Government. 

"We crossed the Neosho river at Rocky Ford on the State line on the 
evening of April 17, 1857 ; there we camped near the residence of James 
Childers, who was a white man, and who had married one of the Rogers 
girls ; he lived on the west side of the river, in what is now a part of 
Cherokee county. The next day he came with us to the present site of 
Chetopa, where 1 decided to locate, and where we encamped. After 
arranging with those who came with me to proceed to getting out logs 
with which to build, I started for Osage Mission to meet Major Dorn. 
It was now near the last of xlpril ; I clerked for the Major during the dis- 
bursement to the Indians of their funds. During this time I attended a 
meeting of the council of the Osage chiefs, held at that place, at which 



28 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

they discussed the propriety of paying a bill of about $39 to a young man 
by the name of Peyett, who had acted as interpreter to Dr. Griffith, of 
Carthage, who had a year before that time been sent by the Government 
to vaccinate the Osages. Several of the chiefs made speeches opposing 
the payment, saying, 'That if the Government intended to do them a 
kindness it ought to pay the interpreter as well as the doctor'; when 
they came to the close. White Hair requested Chetopa to speak for him, 
and he depicted in very strong language the horrors of the small-pox, 
and what benefit they had received from the young man, who had well 
earned his money, and that being a just debt they should pay it, and 
suggested that it be paid by the chiefs ; the ranking chief, White Hair, 
to pay $10, and the other chiefs a less sum. 

"After finishing my duties as clerk at this point I returned to my com- 
pany at Chetopa, where 1 spent the summer with them in getting out 
and hewing the logs for one house and having enough cut for another. 
Sometime in July I started back to Ohio for my family, and returned 
with them, arriving at Chetopa about the 20th of November of that year. 

"I was met at Jefferson City, to which point the railroad was com- 
pleted, by the boys from Chetopa with a team, who brough't us back to 
Chetopa in that way. While I was gone the boys had raised a house, 
which was a double log house with twelve feet space between the two 
parts ; it stood on the northwest quarter of block 34, near where my 
residence now stands. The next season we put up a shop and office, 
which was made of shaved boards and covered with the same material ; 
the boards of the roof being two feet long, while those covering the sides 
were four feet; I split and shaved them myself, out of pecan, in the 
winter of 1857-58. This building was 16 by 40 feet, one part of which 
was used for my office and drugs, and the other for a gun shop and black- 
smith shop. It stood on the south side of what is now block 24, just 
west of the alley, about where my present office and shop stand. I also 
built a smoke-house and stable ; inclosed about twenty-five acres with 
high rail fence, the rails being of walnut, and the fence was about ten 
rails high ; the lot extended to about what is now Third and Sixth streets, 
and from about Maple on the south to Elm or Oak street on the north. 
1 lived upon these premises until November 19, 1863, when I was driven 
from them by the United States troops, and just as I was leaving saw 
them all in flames. I lost my library and other valuables in addition to 
the buildings that I have described. My wife, Phcebe, died on the last 
day of 1860, and my daughter Penina had married J. E. Bryan, and 
was then living at Council Grove. 

"I took my daughter Martha, and two sons, Albert and John, and 



EARLY HISTORY. go 



started for Council Grove on the day last named, November 19 1863 
The following persons also accompanied us on that occasion part of the 
way : Elizabeth and Christian McMurtry, two children of John McMur- 
try, who had recently died in the army; Larkin McGhee and family 
Jane Jackson, whose husband was then in the army; and Mrs Walker' 
whose husband had been driven into the Rebel army. In addition to mv 
own property which was destroyed at this time, the following persons 
also had all of their property burned: Sarah Rogers had a large hewed- 
log house and a large stable on what is now Mr. Crichtou's place north 
of town ; George Walker, a Cherokee, had a house, stable, crib, etc., west 
of the river, just south of where Mr. Edwards's mill now stands; John 
McMurtry had a house near where the west end of the bridge across the 
Aeosho now is, which was set on fire but would not burn, and was after- 
ward torn down. Larkin McGhee had a house and stable and some grain 
just south of the branch south of Chetopa, on land now owned by Dr 
Halderman. There were perhaps 300 soldiers composed of Indians and 
whites under the command of Captain Willits, Adjutant Ahle, and Lieu- 
tenant Joslyn, who did this burning, and who stated that they acted under 
instructions from their commanding officers. At this same time thev ar- 
rested James Childers and demanded of him his money: they had been 
informed that he had 86,000 buried. At first he denied having any, but 
after they had put a rope around his neck and stretched him up for awhile 
and after letting him down, he acknowledged having 82,000, and told 
them where it was; they found this and wanted more; he said that was 
every cent he had. He was stretched up and let down two or three 
times, and was finally killed, his throat cut, and left unburied, and was 
eaten by the hogs. I asked to be allowed to go back and bury him bui 
was refused permission. I got this statement in reference to his being 
killed from his son. This entirely broke up the Chetopa settlement I 
.^tayed at Council Grove until September, 1865, when I went back to 
Chetopa, and in November of that year moved my family back. I lived 
with George Walker that winter, and built on my farm across the river 
and have ever since had my home in or near Chetopa. 

"Soon after coming to the county I traveled up the Neosho, and came 
upon a clearing on the east side of the river nearly opposite the mouth of 
the Labette, where I was informed a Frenchman by the name of Pierre 
Labette had lived for a number of years, but who some time previous had 
moved west. It was from him that the creek was named. 

"On the occasion of the United States troops coming down the river 
for the capture of Mathews, after he had been killed ^below Chetopa a 
detachment of the troops came to the Chetopa settlement and arrested all 



30 HISTOKY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

of us, aud took us to the Mathews premises at Little Towu, now Oswego, 
where we were held in custody over night, during which time we were 
tried by court-martial for assisting or encouraging parties to go into the 
Rebel army. Colonel Blunt presided at the trial, and after a full hear- 
ing all of us were discharged, but were kept, however, until the next 
day. While 1 was on my way back to Chetopa I could see the flames 
from the Mathews buildings, which had been fired by the troops before 
they took their departure. The evening before Mathews was killed he 
took supper at my house on his way down from his place to the Nation. 
When I returned from the Mathews place after our release as aforesaid, 
I started to bury him, but found that he had been already buried. 

"In the fall of 1859 I got up a petition for a postoffice at my place, and 
had forty-one signers between Little Town (now Oswego) and Timber 
Hill, in the Nation. I was instructed by the Department at Washing- 
ton to have all the signers the heads of families, either male or female. 
I had all but two; they were away at the time, and did not get back 
until the petition had gone to Washington. Counting five to a family it 
would make 215 ; then counting thirty single men who had no families, I 
think there were about 250 when the war broke out, living on or near 
the river between the points named. I was granted the postoffice — aud 
it was to be called Chetopa, Dorn county, Kansas — sometime in the 
summer of 1860, but as there was no mail route near here which could 
carry the mail we had to wait until 1861 for a new route to be estab- 
lished, which was done, and the contract for carrying the mail from 
Grand Falls by Quawpaw Mission, Baxter Springs and Cherokee on 
Cherry creek, Osage Mission, thence by Chetopa to Grand Falls, was 
advertised to be let in June, which was not done on account of the war 
breaking out that summer, and the mail arrangements in the southwest 
abandoned. Respectfully, ^^^^^^ ^isle." 

SURVEYS. 

In 1827 or 1828 the east boundary of the Osage reservation was sur- 
veyed by Major A. L. Laugham, and the northeast corner established. 
In the summer of 1857 Col. J. E. Johnston, with about five hundred 
U. S. soldiers forming an escort to the surveying party, surveyed and 
established the south line of the State. This force was stationed for 
some time on Russell creek. There were with the expedition two as- 
tronomers, two geologists, two botanists, and a number of engineers and 
surveyors. There were twenty wagons with which to haul provisions. 
After completing the survey to the southwest corner of the State they 



EARLY HISTORY. <^\ 



came back, haviDg their wagons loaded with salt which they had pro- 
cured on the salt plains in the western part of the State. It was on this 
expedition that Col. Johnston established the ford at Chetopa across the 
Neosho. 

In 1871 the south line of Kansas was retraced in compliance with the 
21st article of the treaty with the Cherokee Indians, made July 19, 1866. 
This work was done under the supervision of Rev. D. P. Mitchell as chief 
engineer. In the fall of 1884, commencing in August, a party of Gov- 
ernment employes came to Oswego and established their headquarters,, 
making astronomical observations and a geological survey of the country. 

The survey of the Osage Ceded lands into sections was completed in 
the spring of 1867. 

LABETTE. 

A number of articles have been written, and some of them by persons- 
whose names would carry with them authority, on the origin of the name 
of the county. This name was first applied to the stream runniug through 
our county, and subsequently to tho county itself when it was organized. 
Two or three letters will be found in this work which incidentally refer 
to this matter. W. S. Mathews, sou of the old Indian trader, says the 
Osage name for the stream meant "some kind of animal ; then the French 
called it La Bette, which means the same thing." This more fully agrees 
with the origin of the name as commonly given, but is not to my mind as 
reasonable as that given by Larkin McGhee and Dr. Lisle, both of whom 
say that the name was given to the stream on account of the first white 
settler at or near its mouth — Pierre Labette^. This man lived at oue 
time on the east of the Xeosho opposite the mouth of the Labette, and 
subsequently farther up the stream, and afterward went farther west. I 
think it reasonable to say that it was for him the stream was named ; 
but whatever the origin of the name, it was given to the stream at a very 
early date. I have seen in a book originally belonging to the St. Louis 
office of the Commissioner of Indian Atfairs and now in our State Histor- 
ical Society, a map of the Osage survey made and signed by Isaac Mc- 
Coy, dated Westport, Missouri, September 13, 1836, on which the stream 
is quite correctly located, and the name thereon written " Le Bete creek. "^ 
At the first Republican convention, held at Jacksonville in September, 
1866, where it was agreed that Xeosho county should be divided, it was 
on motion of G. W. Kingsbury agreed that the south part of the county, 
when it should be organized, should be called "La Bete." J. S. Waters, 
who was present and took an active part in the work of the convention, 
says : "That day was the first time I know of the word La Bete having 
been written, and it was that day written as I have written it above. 



52 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

There was some dispute as to whether there should be two or one t. 
When the county was organized it was given this name as then agreed 
upon." 

BOUNDARY. 

The following acts of the Legislature have in some way fixed or affected 
the boundaries of our county : 

By section 10 of chapter 30 of the laws of 1855, all the territory lying 
south of Allen county was constituted the county of Dorn. Its east line 
was 24 miles west of the Missouri line, and its width was 24 miles, 
(which was supposed to take it to the west line of range 18.) 

By "An act to more particularly define the boundaries of the several 
counties in Kansas Territory," approved February 22, 1857, the county 
of Dorn is made to commence at the corner of sections 14, 15, 22, 23, 
town 28, range 21 ; thence south to the Territory line, and west to same 
sections in range 17. 

By chapter 31 of the laws of 1860, the east line of Neosho county is 
declared to be the line between ranges 21 and 22, and the western line 
the line between ranges 17 and 18; but as j'et no bill had been passed 
creating Neosho county. 

By chapter 18 of the laws of 1861, approved June 3, 1861, the name 
of the county was changed from Dorn to Neosho. 

By chapter 29, laws of 1867, approved February 7, 1867, Labette 
county was created, and made to embrace from the 6th standard parallel 
on the north to the south line of the State, and from Cherokee Neutral 
Lands on the east to the east boundary of the Osage reserve on the 
west. Subsequently the Legislature made provision for a vote being 
taken as to whether the line between Cherokee and Labette counties 
should be as above fixed, or whether a part of the way the river should 
form the boundary. This legislation gave rise to a protracted dispute 
as to what really was the boundary between the two counties, but finally 
all parties interested acquiesced in considering the west line of the 
Cherokee Neutral Lands as the line between the two counties. 

By chapter 38 of the laws of 1870, the east line of Montgomery county 
was made to run south between sections 2 and 3, thus taking a strip from 
Labette county and placing it in Montgomery. 



PEEMA^E]^T SETTLEMENT, 

orgajStization-, axd growth. 



ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY. 

At the general election in November, 1866, although we were legally a 
part of Neosho coimtj% by mutual understanding between the people of 
what is now Neosho county and those residing in what Is now Labette 
county, the latter took no part in the election of the county officers for 
Neosho county, but went through the form of holdiug an election for 
county officers for Labette county, with the understanding on their part 
that an act of the Legislature would be secured legalizing the election 
and organizing the county with the officers thus elected, recognized by 
the Legislature as the legal county officers ; or in the event such an act 
could not be secured, then that the officers thus elected would be ap- 
pointed to the positions to which they were thus respectively elected. 
It seems to have been agreed that each locality might vote at this elec- 
tion and make their returns, although the place at which the votes were 
cast had not been established as an election precinct. Votes were re- 
ceived at Montana, Oswego, Chetopa, and possibly at Neola. I have 
found no one among the old settlers who remembers who it was that 
composed the board of canvassers at this election, but probably it was 
made up of parties from two or three of the different localities, mutually 
agreed on by all ; I judge from all I can learn that the canvass took 
place, and the result was declared, at Oswego. A full ticket was run by 
both the Democratic and Republican parties. The Republican ticket was 
elected by a large majority ; the officers elected at that time were as fol- 
lows : Representative in the Legislature, Chas. H. Bent; County Com- 
missioners, S. W. Collins, C. H. Talbot, and Bergen Van Ness; County 
Clerk, A. T. Dickerman ; Sheriff, Benjamin A. Rice; Clerk District 
Court, Elza Craft; Register of Deeds, George Bent; County Assessor, 
Jal)ez Zink; Probate Judge, David C. Lowe; County Treasurer, C. C. 
Clover; County Attorney, J. S. Waters; Superintendent of Public In- 
struction, J. F. Newlon ; Coroner, G. W. Kingsbury. No one that I have 
found questions the correctness of the above list, except as to County 

— 3 (33) 



34 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

Attorney and Probate Judge. Accordiug to the remembrance of some of 
the old settlers there was no one elected County Attorney, as at the time 
there was no one in the county who had been admitted to the bar; prob- 
ably no one ran for County Attorney at this election. And in respect to 
Probate Judge, the remembrance of some is that David Stanfield, instead 
of David C. Lowe, was the party elected. Of course the election had no 
validity, and all understood that it only amounted to an expression of 
public opinion as to persons whom the people would like to have for 
their first officers. 

On the certificate of election furnished him, Mr. Bent went to the Leg- 
islature in January, 1867, and was admitted to his seat soon after the 
organization of the House. Little or no opposition was made to the bill 
introduced by him organizing Labette county, and on February 7, 1S67, 
it was approved by the Governor and became a law. On March 7, 1867, 
N. P. Elsbree, Bergen Van Ness and Nelson F. Carr each made affidavit 
before C. H. Talbot, justice of the peace, to the fact of the county hav- 
hig a population of more than 600 inhabitants. Mr. Bent took these 
affidavits, together with a statement of the fact of the fall election, to 
Governor Crawford on March 10th, and secured from him on that day a 
proclamation designating Oswego as the temporary county seat, and the 
appointment by him of S. W. Collins, C. H. Talbot and Bergen Van 
Ness as County Commissioners, and A. T. Dickermau as County Clerk ; 
these being the parties who had been respectively elected to those posi- 
tions in November preceding. Mr. Bent at once came home, bringing 
with him the proclamation and the commission of the parties thus 
appointed. 

We have no record of any of the official acts of the officers thus 
•appointed; whatever record was kept of their doings has been either 
entirely lost or is so misplaced that it cannot be found. I have been un- 
able to find a single word of official record pretending to give the trans- 
actions of any officers prior to June 5, 1867. The nearest I can come to 
making the statement of the orgauization of our county authentic is by 
giving the following letter from the then County Clerk : 

"Oswego, Kansas, August 5, 1892. 
''Judge Nelson Case — Dear Sir: In reference to the organization of 
the county, and the record of the same of which you ask, I will give a 
brief account. When Mr. Bent came back from Topeka in March, 1867, 
he brought with him the commissions of the officers who had been ap- 
pointed to organize the county. Very soon thereafter Mr. Van Ness came 
down to Oswego and saw Mr. Talbot, and the two talked over what they 



PERMANENT SETTLEMENT. 35 

thought should be done. It was agreed that Mr. Talbot should see Mr. 
Collins, the other commissioner, and have an election called. The three 
commissioners did not meet together, and in fact Mr. Van Ness never 
really qualified. The other two commissioners agreed on fixing voting 
precincts and calling an election. The four river townships were set off 
as they now are ; the south one was then called Chetopa. The next two 
tiers of congressional townships were divided into three municipal town- 
ships, and named North, Labette, and Hackberry. The balance of the 
county to the west was divided into two parts, and named Timber Hill 
and Pumpkin Creek. No election was held that spring in either of these 
two west precincts. The election was called for sometime in April ; I do 
not remember the exact date. I posted the notices of this election. The 
commissioners then met and canvassed the vote and directed me to issue 
certificates of election to the parties who were declared to be elected. 

"I kept a record of the proceedings on foolscap paper, which I turned 
over to old father Clover, who acted as my deputy after the county was 
organized. The commissioners first held their meetings in a hewed-log 
house standing on block 24, belonging to C. H. Talbot. 

"Respectfully, A. T. Dickerman." 

Persons who search for information respecting the organization of our 
county, as I have done, will find a number of printed articles, some 
in newspapers and some in books, and among the latter the standard 
histories of our State, stating that the organization took place in May, 
1867, the date they usually fix being the third Tuesday in May, and I 
have been unable to find anything giving a prior date. Notwithstanding 
this, I fix on April 22, 1867, as the time when our first county election 
was held, and in support of the time thus selected I otfer the following : 
In the first place, to anyone who has had any experience in Kansas 
politics it will not be worth while to argue that a set of men who had 
been appointed to offices on the 10th of March would wait a whole month 
or more before qualifying and entering upon the discharge of their 
duties, unless they were prevented from so doing by some uncontrollable 
force or necessity. I have never heard that these Commissioners were 
in any way prevented from the exercise of their official duties, and from 
this fact I conclude that it was not many days after Mr. Bent's return 
from Topeka until they had qualified and taken some steps to make 
their official acts known. But there are references in the official reconls 
subsequently made which confirm this theory. In the record of the 
Commissioners' proceedings on July 1, 1867, is the following: 

" It is hereby ordered that the election for county-seat expenses be post- 



36 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

polled until the question of county seat is decided. It is ordered that the 
election held the 22d day of April for county and township officers, the 
last amounting to $80.40." 

It will be seen that the clerk who made this record has not finished 
the sentence; but from the statement the inevitable inference is that an 
election had been held on the 22d of April. And again on November 19, 
1867, the following appears in the Commissioners' record : 

"Ordered, that Austin Dickerman be allowed the sum of thirteen dol- 
lars and 35 cts. for service as County Clerk in posting notices of the 
April election, 1867." 

These are the only official references that I have found of the transac- 
tions of any of the county officers, in any way fixing the time when our 
first county election was held. However, the records show that as early 
as the middle of May, John N. Watson was exercising the functions of 
justice of the peace in Kichland township; I find no one who claims 
that he was appointed, nor do I find anything in the office of the Secre- 
tary of State indicating that he was ; he was evidently elected at the first 
election, which must have been held previous to the last-mentioned date. 
From all these considerations, I conclude the election took place on 
April 32d ; thus giving ample time for the meeting of the Commissioners 
after the return of Mr. Bent from Topeka, and thirty days' notice of the 
time and place of the election. Our record being lost, presuming one to 
have been kept, we have no official declaration of the result of this elec- 
tion, but we find certain persons exercising official functions, and from 
reference to them in official records subsequently made, we can arrive at 
a very nearly, if not an absolutely, correct conclusion as to who were 
elected ; and the officers at that time elected w^ere the following : County 
Commissioners, Nathan Ames, Wm. Shay, and David C. Lowe ; County 
Clerk, A. T. Dickerman ; County Assessor, Francis Wall ; Clerk District 
Court, R. S. Cornish ; Register of Deeds, Elza Craft ; Treasurer, C. C. 
Clover; Sheriff, Benjamin A. Rice; Superintendent Public Instruction, 
John F. Newlon ; Surveyor, Z. Harris ; Coroner, George W. Kingsbury. 
I find nothing indicating that anyone was elected County Attorney, and 
am somewhat in doubt as to who was elected Probate Judge, for the reason 
the record is silent on that subject; and among the old settlers I find no 
one who seems to be positive as to who was elected, and some of them 
have in their memory, somewhat indistinctly, however, different persons. 
I will here give what I find in the record in reference to the vacancy in 
the corps of officers : Two of the Commissioners elected, viz., D. C. Lowe 
and Nathan Ames, met at Oswego on June 5th ; this seems to have been 



PERMANENT SETTLEMENT. 37 

the first meeting, and on this date we have our first official record, and 
from it it appears that Wm. Shay failed to qualify as Commissioner, 
whereupon the office was declared vacant, and John G. Kice was ap- 
pointed to fill the vacancy ; thereupon, D. C. Lowe was elected chairman 
of the board. The next order made declared the office of Assessor 
vacant, because of the removal from the county of the party elected, 
leaving him unnamed, however, and A. W. Jones was then appointed 
Assessor to fill the vacancy. The next order is as follows : 

"It is hereby ordered, that the office of Probate Judge be declared 
vacant on his not coming forward and qualifying and giving bond accord- 
ing to law. It is therefore ordered, that Bergen Van Ness be appointed 
Probate Judge until the next general election in November, or his succes- 
sor is qualified." 

Some of the old settlers think that Van Ness was the party elected, 
but I think the force of this record is strongly against them. It seems 
that Mr. Van Ness did not at once qualify upon being appointed as afore- 
said, for in the record of the Commissioners' proceedings of July 3d is 
the following : 

"Ordered, that Bergen Van Ness be appointed Probate Judge of 
Labette county, Kansas, to fill a vacancy of the Probate Judge owing to 
his not coming forward and filing his bond in the time required by law." 

This language indicates that the person now appointed is the one who 
liad failed to qualify, but evidently this refers to his failure to qualify 
under his previous appointment, and not his election. I have nothing 
more definite as to who was elected Probate Judge in April. 

At the first meeting of the board the County Clerk was directed to or- 
der blank books and stationery from Luce & Griggs, Davenport, Iowa, 
"to be sent as per agreement," and I find that the first orders on the 
county treasury were drawn in their favor, dated September 3, 1867, for 
the supplies thus ordered; order No. 1 was for S199 ; orders Xos. 2 and 
3 for $24 each. At the same time that this order was made to this Daven- 
port firm the clerk was directed to make an order for other books and 
blanks for the Assessor, Treasurer, and Commissioner, which order seems 
to have been sent to Samuel Dodsworth, of Leavenworth. The follow- 
ing appears In the record of the Commissioners for January 14, 1868 : 

"It is hereby ordered, that the County Clerk make out the proper state- 
ment of the proceedings of this for the general meeting commencing the 
first Monday in January, 1868, according to law, and forward the same 
for publication to the Humboldt Union.''' 



38 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

This is the first order I find designating any oflicial paper or in any way 
providing for the official publication of the proceedings of the county of- 
ficers. It was not long after this order was made until the Neosho Val- 
ley Eagle was established, and I find that the publisher of that paper was 
allowed bills for printing. The first paper to be started in the county 
was the Oswego Register, which appeared in June of this year, and must 
have at once been given at least a part of the county printing, for, on 
July 8th, E. R. Trask, the publisher, is allowed an account of ^4 for 
county printing. 

LAND TITLES. 

The Osage Ceded Lands were first brought into market by virtue of 
the joint resolution of April 10, 1869. Owing to the ruling of the Secre- 
tary of the Interior on the claims made by the railroad companies, only 
a part of the lands was disposed of under this law. After the Supreme 
Court of the United States declared the railroad companies' claims void, 
Congress passed another act, which was approved August 11, 1876, under 
which the remainder of the Osage Ceded Lands was purchased. The 
Cherokee strip, on the south side of the county, was sold to the settlers 
under act of Congress approved May 11, 1872. 

HARDSHIPS. 

The experience of those who first came to this county is probably not 
very dissimilar to that which has attended early settlers in nearly every 
county. Some of them had sufficient means to make themselves as com- 
fortable as they well could be, with the distance they were from market, 
though many of them were in very plain circumstances, and under very 
much more favorable conditions would have found it hard to make their 
families comfortable. As it was, there was necessarily a great amount 
of suffering. Provisions had to be hauled from so great a distance that 
the price continued very high all the time for several years. Flour was 
frequently $15 a hundred, corn S3 a bushel, meal ^6 a hundred, bacon 2.5 
cents a pound, and other things in the line of living in proportion. Teams 
which were used for hauling provisions were poorly fed and consequently 
generally poor, and in going to Missouri for a load of provisions but a 
small load could be hauled. Frequently the streams were up so that for 
days they could not be crossed, which would necessitate the consumption 
of a large part of what had been procured before they reached their 
homes. Sometimes boats loaded with vegetables would be shipped down 
the Neosho from points up the stream where they were raised. In the 
fall of 1866 there was much sickness among the settlers, so much that 



PERMANENT SETTLEMENT. 39 

there were scarcely euougli well ones to wait on the sick. All of these 
things and many more contributed to make the lot of the early settler a 
hard one. In 18(37 a sufficient amount of crops was raised to make quite 
a help in providing the new country with the necessaries of life, but it 
was not until 1868 that anything like a sufficient amount was raised to 
supply the demands, and even then very much had to be shipped in. 

FIRST ADMINISTRATION. 

In September, 1866, A. W. Richardson died, and in December follow- 
ing, his son John Richardson was appointed administrator of his estate 
by the Probate Court of Neosho county. In February, 1867, he held a 
public sale of the effects of the estate. Francis Wall was auctioneer. 
The property was sold on time, and brought a good price, and every 
dollar of the purchase-price was collected by the administrator. This 
was the first estate administered upon within the present limits of the 
county. 

MARRIAGES. 

In this as in very many other matters, there are several who claim the 
honor of being first ; but the first marriage of which I have any informa- 
tion is that of J. E. Bryan and Penina Lisle, the ceremony of which was 
performed at Chetopa, September 4, 1860, by Rev. Mr. Rader. Of course 
there is no record of this, there being at the time no civil organization in 
the county, and no license procured. There were several parties mar- 
ried at quite an early date after the commencement of the settlement of 
the county, in 1865. It is possible that some marriage ceremony may 
have been performed prior to that of which I shall now speak ; but I am 
quite sure that this is the first marriage in the county, of which there 
is any official record. The marriage record in the Probate Court in 
Neosho county has the following : 

-State of Kansas, {. Certificate of Marriage. 
County of Neos/io. S 

"This is to certify, that Mr. Wm. Wilcox and Miss Sarah Jane Marlow 

were married by me on the 5th day of August, 1866. 

George Bennett, J. P. 

Recorded October 3, 1866. — J. L. Fletcher, Clerk:' 

COUNTY SEAT, AND COUNTY-SEAT CONTESTS. 

The subject of county seat in this coimty commences with the follow- 
ing proclamation by the Governor : 



40 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUN-TY. 

"State of Kansas, Executive Office, 

ToPEKA, March 10, 1867. 

"Whereas, in due form of law it has been made to appear that the 
county of Labette, State of Kansas, contains the required number of in- 
habitants to entitle the people of said county to a county organization : 

"Now, therefore, I, Samuel J. Crawford, Governor of Kansas, by virtue 
of authority in me vested by law, and having commissioned special county 
officers, do hereby locate the county seat of Labette county. State of 
Kansas, at the town of Oswego in said county. 

"In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my hand, and 
caused to be affixed the official seal of State. 

"Done at Topeka, this 10th day of March, A. D. 1867. 

"[Seal.] S. J. Crawford." 

At the first county election, held on April 22, 1867, in addition to the 
choice of county officers the electors voted upon the location of the county 
seat, with the following result : Oswego received 156 votes, Montana 140 
votes, and Neola 84 votes. On October 4, 1867, the commissioners "Or- 
dered that an election on the permanent location of the county seat of 
Labette county, Kansas, be held on the 5th day of November, A. D. 1867."" 
The canvass of this vote shows that Oswego received 158 votes, Neola 
144 votes, and Montana 95 votes. On November 21, 1867, on a petition, 
containing 251 names, for a county-seat election, it was ordered that such 
election be held on the 30th day of December, 1867. The vote was can- 
vassed January 2, 1868, with the following result : Oswego, 204 votes ; 
Neola, 122 votes, Montana, 109 votes; and the Geographical Center, 6 
votes. The poll-books for Hackberry township and luka precinct in 
Neosho township were thrown out at this election, for incompleteness of 
return. Another election was held, on January 7, 1868, which was can- 
vassed on January 10, 1868, and the result declared to be as follows : 
Oswego, 211 votes; Neola, 122 votes; whereupon it was declared that 
"Oswego having received a majority of all the votes cast at said election 
for county seat, it is hereby declared to be the county seat of Labette, 
in the State of Kansas." 

The next county-seat move seems to have been on April 12, 1869, when 
J. S. Waters presented a petition for a county-seat election, the consider- 
ation of which was had on the 13th, and again on the 14th of the same 
month, on which last day it was rejected. 

On January 5, 1871, D. G. Brown presented a petition, purporting to 
be signed by 1,494 citizens, asking for an election on the permanent loca- 
tion of the county seat of Labette county. David Kelso appeared before 



PERMANENT SETTLEMENT. 41 

the board and asked that it defer action ou the petition for ten days or 
two weeks, to give time for an examination of said petition and to make 
a showing that it was not such a one as was required by law in order 
that an election may be ordered. The board gave two hours for mak- 
ing such showing; whereupon several affidavits were filed, but after all 
objections the board made its order that an election be held on February 
15, 1871, for permanent location of the county seat. 

On February 18, 1871, the vote was canvassed, and the result declared 
to be as follows: Whole number of votes cast, 3,715; of which Chetopa 
received 877, Oswego 1,011, Labette 1,588, Geographical Center 237, 
Center 1, Montana 1. The poll-books from Parsons precinct were not 
received, for the reason that no such voting precinct had then been estab- 
lished. The votes thus rejected were 51 for Oswego, 3 for Labette, and 
2 for Geographical Center. 

It was then ordered that a second election be held, on February 28tli, 
to determine as between Oswego and Labette which should be the coimty^ 
seat. In the meantime the friends of Chetopa commenced suit against 
the Commissioners and obtained an injunction restraining them from 
canvassing the returns cast at the election on February 28th. On March 
4th the Commissiouers met and heard extended arguments in favor of 
and against their proceeding with a canvass of the votes. As a record 
of a deliberative body the report of the action of the board at this time, 
as found in its journal, is somewhat amusing. They finally determined 
"that they had no right under the injunction to canvass the vote, and 
that they would not canvass or proclaim any result, but would repair to 
the County Clerk's office and there examine the packages purporting to 
contain returns, and filed in said office, and ascertain if said packages so 
filed contained poll-books in fact of the election held on February 28th, 
1871, for the location of the county seat." 

About the time the Commissioners had completed the inspection of the 
packages and ascertained the result of the votes, the deputy sheriff came 
into the room with an order for their arrest on contempt of court. On 
hearing had before the District Judge they were discharged as not hav- 
ing intended any contempt by the unofficial canvass, and ascertaining^ 
the result of the vote cast on the 28th of February. Although not offi- 
cially announced, the result of that vote as shown by the returns, and as 
given out and published at the time, was found to be as follows : Total 
vote 2,509, Labette 1,308, Oswego 1,201. 

At the election held February 15th, the vote of Liberty township, 
which included the town of Labette, was 952, all but three of which were 
cast for Labette, while at the election held but thirteen days later the 



42 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



vote of this township had clwiudled down to 372. At the first election 
the vote of Oswego township and city was 673, and at the second election 
it was 687. At the first election luka precinct cast 305 votes, all for 
Labette; while at the second election she was content with a poll of 58 
votes, all of which were for Labette. 

During this 1871 contest over the county seat, parties attempted to 
make capital for themselves, or for some other cause, on the strength of 
their promises as to what would be done for or against certain localities 
in the county-seat vote. D. C. Hutchinson and AV. M. Rogers, claiming 
to represent the settlers' association, went to Chetopa and got S500 do- 
nated to the settlers' organization, with the promise, as was generally un- 
derstood, that the settlers would in turn give Chetopa their support for 
the county seat; and soon thereafter the North township council tendered 
a vote of thanks to Chetopa for her generous contribution. It is not im- 
probable that like attempts were made to secure funds from other points 
on similar promises. 

During this canvass also other attempts were made to influence the 
voting, which, if intended in good faith, were perhaps less objectionable. 
To induce the location of the county seat at Labette, the town company 
offered to pay the expenses of the election, and set aside a block of ground 
to be donated to the county on which to erect county buildings. In Janu- 
ary, 1868, a somewhat similar proposition had been made by Oswego, 
she proposing to pay expenses of election and to furnish court-house 
building free for two years if she were chosen county seat. A public 
meeting was held at Mound Valley, at which it was voted to ofl'er to pay 
$5,000 into the county treasury, provided the county seat were located at 
that point and remained there for five years, and in addition to donate a 
block of ground 400 feet square and the use of a town hall until the 
county could do better ; and further offered to donate grounds for an ag- 
ricultural fair. 

It would be hard to give even a faint idea of the bitterness of feeling 
engendered, and of the amount of corruption practiced at this time. 
Persons who were considered good and honest citizens seemed to have no 
scruples in encouraging and assisting illegal and fraudulent voting, in 
tampering with ballot-boxes, and fixing up returns to suit the emergency, 
so as to give the place for which they were working a majority. 

On July 9, 1874, a petition containing 3,193 names was presented to 
the Board of County Commissioners, asking that an order be made for an 
election for the purpose of voting on the relocation of the county seat. A 
large number of business men and attorneys from Parsons appeared and 
argued in favor of granting the petition, and a like representation from 



PERMAXEXl^ SE TTLEMENT. 



43 



Oswego appeared and argued agaiust the petition. The matter was 
under consideration a large part of the time from the 9th to the 17th of 
July, during which time nearly every phase of the law relative to county- 
seat elections was discussed, and many important questions were passed 
upon by the board. Among these may be mentioned : Who are compe- 
tent petitioners ; from what rolls the number of electors in the county are 
to be determined; the right of a party who has signed a petition to with- 
draw his name therefrom; the right to add names after the petition has 
been presented. The board finally determined that the number of electa 
ors in the county as shown by the tax-rolls was 3,564. From the 2,193 
names on the petition, 174 were stricken off for various reasons; some 
because appearing there twice, some because put there by other parties 
without authority, some because they were not legal electors, and some 
because they requested their names to be stricken therefrom. After these 
names were stricken from the petition there were left thereon 3,019. 
There not being three-fifths of the total number of electors, the board on 
July 17th unanimously voted not to order an election. 

On January 14, 1880, the Commissioners invited Chetopa, Oswego and 
Parsons cities and Mount Pleasant and Mound Valley townships to sub- 
mit propositions as to what they would do toward furnishing a building, 
of a kind designated in the order, for court-house and offices, and in case 
of removal of county seat, a jail, and the payment of the costs of re- 
moval ; such propositions to be submitted to the electors of the county at 
a special election to be called for that purpose. 

On January 15, 1880, A. M. Fellows presented to the board a petition 
said to contain about 3,700 names, asking an election to be called for re- 
locating the county seat. Consideration of this was had on the following 
day, and being found insufficient, was denied, and leave given to with- 
draw^ the same. On January 27, 1880, Angell Matthewson presented a 
petition for an election to relocate the county seat, and attorneys for pe- 
titioners objected to anyone being heard to argue against granting the 
petition, on the ground that it was an ex luirte matter in which no one 
but the petitioners were kuow^n to the board. The objection was over- 
ruled, and the board decided to hear parties for and against the petition. 
After consideration of the petition from day to day up to February 7, 1880, 
the board on that day found that the petition contained 3,495 names, only 
1,168 of which were the names of legal electors, and that as the number 
of names on the assessment-rolls was 3,374, it would require a petition 
containing the names of 2,024 electors to entitle them to an order for a 
county-seat election. It was thereupon ordered that the prayer of the 
petitioners be denied. 



44 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



This controversy over the application for an election in 1880 was some- 
what mixed up with the matter of building a new court-house. In both 
matters the representatives of Parsons attempted to institute legal pro- 
ceedings in the name of the State. An injunction was applied for to 
restrain the building of the court-house, and a mandamus was asked to 
compel the commissioners to count parties as petitioners for an election 
although their names did not appear on the assessment-rolls. Applica- 
tion was made to the Attorney General to allow the suits to be conducted 
in the name of the State. The request was granted on condition of cer- 
tain preliminary steps being first taken. This course was not taken, and 
the cases in the name of the State were dismissed. A mandamus proceed- 
ing by W. G. Adkins, one of the petitioners, was instituted to compel the 
board to count him, and others similarly situated, as legal petitioners, but 
the Supreme Court held that he was not authorized to maintain the suit. 

The last public effort that was made to obtain a county-seat election 
was in 1889. During a large part of that summer petitions were in cir- 
culation in nearly every neighborhood in the county, asking that an elec- 
tion be called. One of the peculiar features of this effort was the form 
of petition which was adopted. It was really a contract whereby each 
party who signed it agreed with every other one who signed it, not to 
ask to have his name stricken off. This petition, however, has never 
yet been presented to the board. 

COUNTY BUILDINGS. 

During the first two years the county officers held their offices in such 
temporary quarters as could be secured, and the court was first held in 
the second story of the Buntaiu building, then standing on the southwest 
corner of block 25, and now standing on the northwest corner of block 
11 ; and thereafter it was held in the second story of the Fleming build- 
ing, on lot 17 in block 31, now occupied by O. E. Woods as a lumber- 
yard office. 

In the summer and fall of 1868 the citizens of Oswego by private 
contribution erected a one-story frame building 24 by 36 feet, 12 feet 
high, on lot 20 in block 39, in which to hold church, school and public 
lectures. This building was ready for occupancy in the fall of 1868, 
and in it was taught the public school that winter. The Oswego 
Town Company, having repaid the money to those who had contributed 
for the erection of this building, took it off' their hands, and on February 
15, 1869, in consideration of .^^l to them paid by the County Commis- 
sioners, conveyed said lots with said building thereon to the County 
Commissioners for the benefit of Labette county, and on the same day the 



-n O 
m c 







PERMANEXT SE TTLEMEXT. 



45 



towu company entered into a contract with the County Commissioners 
for the erection of a stone building 12 feet square and 12 feet high, and 
to cost not less than SI, 000, and to donate the same to the county for a 
jail; the County Commissioners agreeing to accept and use the same for 
that purpose. Thereupon the town company employed J. H. Sawiu to 
erect such a building, and it was built on the west end of lot 1, block 18, 
and was ready for occupancy in July of that year. The building above 
described, donated to the county by the town company, was at first used 
only for a court-house, the county offices still remaining scattered over 
towu in temporary quarters rented for that purpose. The first term of 
court held in this building was in October, 1869. 

On January 8, 1870, the Commissioners, having taken the opinion of 
the County Attorney, and being advised by him that they were fully 
authorized so to do, decided to put up an addition to the court-house, to 
be used for offices by the county officers. They thereupon entered into a 
contract with Rev. Joseph A. Cox for the erection of such an addition, to 
be about 24 by 30 feet, for the sum of 8900 ; and they appointed Elisha 
Hammer agent of the county to superintend the erection of such an 
addition, and upon its completion to accept it and deliver to the con- 
tractor the county orders in payment for the same. On the completion 
of this addition it was divided into four ofltices, in which most of the 
county officers were able to find quarters. Soon thereafter, however, the 
Clerk of the District Court and Sheriff' removed their offices to the main 
room used for court-house. 

The building referred to, erected for a county jail, for the number of 
prisoners who frequently had to be placed therein, was found to be unfit 
for the purpose, and occasionally before the new jail was built prisoners 
had to be taken to some neighboring county, usually Bourbon, for safe- 
keeping. No other building was provided by the county until 1879. In 
April, 1879, the Commissioners contracted with Samuel Fellows for the 
erection of a large stone building in the rear of the court-house, for 
which they agreed to pay him $698.56. The building was completed in 
May, and in it the Commissioners placed three iron cells, for which they 
paid S750 and freight. While this building was quite an improvement 
on the first, it was still insufficient both in size and construction for a 
county jail. Over and over again did the Judge of the District Court 
and the grand jury, as well as the public press, declare tliis building to be 
a totally unfit place in which to confine prisoners. Four and sometimes 
six prisoners would be confined in one of these small cells. Dampness 
and lack of ventilation, and, almost of necessity, with such a number as 
it contained, a large degree of filthiness, characterized this building, and 



46 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

made its maintenance a blot on our good name. However, it was not 
until 1890 that better accommodations were provided. In 1890 the city 
of Oswego proposed to the county to erect on the court-house premises a 
substantial two-story brick building, the use of which the county was to 
have free so long as she desired to occupy it as a county jail, and during 
the summer such building was erected. In 1891 the old cells and three 
additional new iron ones, for which the county paid $1,800, were placed 
in this building. 

On July 10, 1880, the Commissioners conveyed the first stone building 
used as a jail to the city of Oswego for use as a calaboose. 

On December 4, 1879, H. C. Hall and C. O. Perkins offered to rent 
from the county the court-house site for ninety-nine years, and to erect 
thereon a brick or stone building of sufficient size and accommodation for 
county purposes, which they would lease to the county for a term of 
years at a reasonable rent. Whereupon the board accepted their propo- 
sition, and agreed if they would erect the building described, which was 
substantially the one subsequently constructed, they would rent it for ten 
years, and pay therefor as rental $900 for the first year and $600 per an- 
num thereafter. On January 14, 1880, the board rescinded its action 
taken on December 4, 1879, and revoked the contract; but on January 
17th, on the executing of a bond by certain citizens, which was approved 
by the board, conditioned that they would pay the rent on the proposed 
building to be erected by Messrs. Hall and Perkins, the board ratified 
and confirmed its order made on December 4, 1879 ; whereupon the pro- 
posed building was erected, and on May 23, 1880, being fully completed, 
was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies. In 1883 the County Com- 
missioners caused brick vaults to be constructed for the offices of the 
Register of Deeds and the Clerk of the District Court. 

The shade trees which add so much to the appearance of the property 
were set out in 1881. 

FURNISHIXG COUNTY OFFICES. 

The record of the proceedings of the Commissioners at their first meet- 
ing, on June 5, 18G7, contains this order: 

"It is further ordered, that the county officers shall hold their offices 
at home until a place is provided by said Board of Commissioners." 

However, temporary offices were soon thereafter provided in Oswego 
for most of the officers. On January 14, 1808, I find among the proceed- 
ings of the Board the following order : 

"County Clerk is hereby ordered to give notice to the various county 
officers of this county when and where county offices have been provided, 
when the same shall have been so provided." 



PERMANENT SETTLEMENV. 47 

On November 12, 1870, is the following order: 

"County offices having been provided with furniture, ordered, that 
county officers keep office in court-house from November 20, 1870." 

The tirst order which I find referring to the furniture for county offices 
is on January 14, 1868, wiien the Commissioners adopted the following : 

"Whereas, the county offices of this county are destitute of furniture ; 
and whereas, such furniture is absolutely necessary for the transaction of 
business in said offices, therefore, it is hereby ordered that the County 
Clerk be and is hereby authorized to procure for said offices the following 
articles of furniture : Twelve office chairs, two tables 3 by 6 feet, one coal 
stove of large size, one book case ; said furniture to be purchased or pro- 
cured on the most advantageous terms to the county, and paid for out of 
the county treasury with any money not otherwise appropriated." 

On July 7, 1868, the Commissioners allowed bill to Hanford & Pierson 
in the sum of $19 for one half-dozen office chairs. This seems to have 
been the first bill of furniture bought by the county. On the same day 
the Commissioners made the following order : 

"It appearing to the board that it is necessary, in order to preserve 
the books, records and papers belonging to the county, that they should 
be placed in a safe, and there being no safe in possession of the 
county authorities, therefore, be it ordered by the board, that the County 
Clerk enter into contract with R. W. Wright or some other person for 
the use of a safe for one year upon the following terms : The county 
will pay five per centum on the cost of the safe, and the county to have 
the use of one-half of the safe, with the privilege of going to the safe at 
pleasure. The safe to stand in R. W. Wright's business house, if rented 
of him ; if rented of any other person it is to be placed in county rooms 
or some building convenient thereto." 

On January 8, 1869, it is "Ordered by the board, that the County Clerk 
and Treasurer be and are hereby authorized to purchase a safe from 
G. R. Tileston, of Chetopa, if in their opinion it will answer the purposes 
of the county, at a price not to exceed $245 " ; and on April 12th follow- 
ing the bill of R. G. Tileston in the sum of $245 for a safe was allowed, 
and the further bill of H. C. Bridgman in the sum of 116 for services in 
going to Chetopa and purchasing the safe was also allowed. On July 
29, 1870, the Commissioners made a contract with Beard & Bro., of St. 
Louis, for two safes, one with burglar-proof box for County Treasurer 
and one large fire-proof safe for County Clerk, for which they agreed 
to pay SI, 000. 



48 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

These items are given for the purpose of showing how gradually the 
Commissioners furnished offices and provided safeguards for the county 
property. Small bills of office furniture were procured from time to 
time as the necessities of the case seemed to require, but at no time has 
there been any lavish expenditure of money in furniture or other accom- 
modations for the county offices. 

SELF-ORGANIZED COURTS. 

Prior to the summer of 1866 there was really no civil protection for the 
settlers residing in what is now Labette county, it being then a part of 
Neosho county. They had in theory civil officers, but they were so far 
away, and the organization of Neosho county was at the time so crude 
and imperfect, that little reliance could be placed by the settlers in this 
part of the county receiving any aid from the officers up there. 

In June, George Bennett, of Montana, was appointed justice of the 
peace, and in September, C. H. Talbott, of Oswego, was likewise ap- 
pointed. But even after their appointment the arm of the law could 
hardly be said to have sufficient strength to vigorously deal with law- 
breakers. This lack of civil law, almost of necessity, forced the settlers 
into an organization of their own for the purpose of protecting their 
rights and rendering redress to those who complained of having suffered 
grievances. Several of these organizations were formed early in 1866, 
and in them a sort of judicial air was maintained and the forms of law 
partially observed, to the end that the real party at fault might be dis- 
covered, and only those who were guilty should suffer. One of these or- 
ganizations, known as the Soldiers' Club, was organized at Oswego in the 
spring of 1866 ; W. C. Watkins was president, D. M. Clover vice-president, 
and Maj. Victor secretary. It met in Clover's cabin by the river. An- 
other of these organizations was iormed by the settlers on Hackberry and 
Labette creeks ; another one existed at Oswego, and still another on the 
Neosho, in the northern portion of the county. Each of these had more 
or less business in the way of settling disturbances among the settlers, 
and on one or two occasions resort was had to measures which to some 
would seem severe. 

Francis Wall, of Fairview township, had a yoke of oxen stolen. In- 
vestigation revealed the fact that James Moss, a settler on Hackberry, 
had been peddling meat about the time that Mr. Wall's oxen were miss- 
ing. The local court became satisfied that Mr. Moss and some of his 
neighbors were the parties guilty of stealing Mr. Wall's oxen, and con- 
cluded that the best thing to do was to have them leave the county and 
then to appropriate and sell their claims and apply the proceeds toward 



PERMANENT SETTLEMENT. 49 

reimbursing Mr. Wall for his oxeu, aud the balance to be used for con- 
tingent court expenses. A committee visited the parties at their homes 
and informed them of the judgment of the court, to which they took 
several exceptions ; but the order was imperative, and by the help of 
some of the members of the court the goods of these parties were placed 
in their wagons aud they were told that the best thing for them to do 
was not to be seen there any more. It was not long after this until a 
deputy sheriff from Neosho county came down for the arrest of some 
dozen members of the court who were engaged in this act of depopula- 
tion. The parties were taken in charge by the deputy sheriff and his 
posse, but before they had reached the line that now divides Xeosho and 
Labette counties, the Neosho county party were induced to believe that it 
would be as well for them not to further insist on taking their prisoners 
with them. A proper return was made out on the warrant relieving the 
officers from responsibility, and the parties returned to their homes. 

A large part of the business of these courts was in settling disputes be- 
tween settlers in reference to their claims. Very few men were found 
who would insist upon a course of conduct which had been condemned 
by one of these courts, and usually their judgments were as well obeyed 
as are those of the courts that have since been established by law. 

THE DISTRICT COURT. 

Labette county was a part of the territory constituting the Seventh 
Judicial District of the State of Kansas until the 1870 session of the Leg- 
islature, at which time the Eleventh Judicial District was created, since 
which time Labette county has been comprised in that district. The 
Judges of the court have been William Spriggs, of Garnett; John R. 
Goodin, of Humboldt; William C. Webb, of Fort Scott; Henry G. Webb, 
of Oswego ; Bishop W. Perkins, of Oswego ; George Chandler, of Inde- 
pendence ; John N. Ritter, of Columbus ; and Jerry D. McCue, of Inde- 
pendence. 

On June 5th, 1867. the Board of County Commissioners "Ordered that 
the District Court will organize in Labette county, Kansas, at as early a 
day as practicable; W. Spriggs, Judge, will be notified by the County 
Clerk to fix the day and mouth." And thereafter, on August 19, 1867, 
the Board made the following request: 

"To the Hon. Mr. Spriggs, Judge of the Seventh Judicial District : 
We, the undersigned, Commissioners of Labette county, do hereby re- 
quest that you order a grand jury for the October term of the District 
Court for Labette county. State of Kansas." 



50 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

The first terra of the court held in the county convened on Monday, 
October 7th, 1867, and continued until the 11th, when it finally adjourned. 
In compliance with the request of the County Commissioners, a grand 
jury had been ordered and drawn, and the first thing done upon the 
opening of court was to call the list of the grand jury. The following 
persons responded : H. W. Latham, D. B. Shultz, James F. Molesworth, 
David Stanfield, Joseph McCormick, J. S. Lee, Dempsey Elliott, W. C. 
Watkins, and W. D. Biruni. Upon the direction of the court, the Sheriff 
filled in the panel with the following : Z. Harris, J. M. Dodson, Wm. H. 
Reed, E. W. King, Enos Reed, and J. Huntley. These fifteen were duly 
sworn and charged. Joseph McCormick was appointed foreman, and 
Charles E. Simons, deputy sheriif, was assigned to them as their bailiff. 

The next action taken by the court was the appointment of W. J. Park- 
inson as County Attorney. The following attorneys seem to have been 
admitted to practice in other courts, and to have been recognized as attor- 
neys at this, viz.: J. D. McCue, W. P. Bishop, W. J. Parkinson, and 
W. A. Johnson. Committees were appointed to examine applicants, and 
after what was supposed to have been an examination, and the applicants 
having satisfactorily shown their qualifications therefor, the following 
were duly admitted to practice : N. L. Hibbard, J. S. Waters, Charles H. 
Bent, J. F. Newton, W. C. Watkins, and C. C. Clover. 

As far as appears from the records, no case, either criminal or civil, 
was tried at this term of the court. Some preliminary matters in the 
shape of demurrers, motions to make record more complete, etc., were 
presented to and decided by the court. A jury was impaneled in one 
case, btit plaintiff finding it necessary to amend petition, the case was 
continued without trial. 

The first indictment found by the grand jury was against Samuel 
Gregory, who was charged with assault and battery with intent to kill 
Willoughby Doudna, with a whip-stock; and by another indictment he 
was charged with attempting to kill James M. Dodson with a revolver. 
From the fact that at a subseqttent term of the court Mr. Gregory, with 
consent of the County Attorney, pleaded gttilty to an assault and battery 
alone, and was released from the charge with intent to kill, upon which 
plea he was fined but SIO by the court, it may fairly be inferred that the 
offense was not considered very aggravated. 

The first motion that seems to have been made in court was by J. D. 
McCue, to require the justice to send up a complete transcript in case 
No. 1, James P. May ts. John Staginaff, which was an appeal from Jus- 
tice Logan's court. 

This was the only term of court in this county presided over by Judge 



PERMANENT SETTLEMENT. 51 

Spriggs. Before the convening of the next term, in April, 1868, the 
Hon. John R. Goodin had succeeded Judge Spriggs on the bench. 

HOME FOR THE POOR. 

Prior to 1873 the poor of the county had been cared for by the trustees 
of the respective townships, and the bills contracted in their support paid 
by the county. This item of expense became a heavy burden, and a gen- 
eral desire for a better system was expressed. The County Commissioners 
submitted to the electors of the county, at the spring election held April 1, 
1873, a proposition to vote ten thousand dollars to purchase and improve 
a poor-farm. The proposition carried by a large majority. The bonds 
were sold to Hobart <Sc Longwell, at eighty-five cents on the dollar. The 
Commissioners bought the northwest quarter of S. 33, T. 33, R.21, and 
paid therefor four thousand dollars. They immediately made arrange- 
ments for the erection of a house thereon, and by October of that year the 
house now standing on said farm was ready for occupancy. 

On May 7, 1873, it having been determined to open the asylum for the 
poor in temporary quarters until the county house could be erected on the 
farm just purchased, T. B. Julian and his wife Emily C. Julian were em- 
ployed as superintendent and matron of the house, at a salary of forty 
dollars a month for the former and twenty dollars a month for the latter ; 
they to provide a building readj-furnished, and receive and care for all the 
poor who would be 'sent them ; the county to furnish provisions. Under 
this arrangement the asylum was opened about the 10th of May, 1873, in 
the two-story building then and now standing on lot 8, in block 39, in 
Oswego, on the north side of the block on which the court-house stands. 
Here It was kept until the county house was finished, in October of that 
year, when the home was permanently established there. 

LIST OF SUPERIXTENDENTS OF POOR-FARM. 

T. B. Julian, from May 8, 1873, to September 8, 1874; H. G. Newton, 
to October 3, 1876 : W. H. Carico, to October 10, 1878 ; Robert A. Hogue, 
to March 1, 1880; James H. Haggerty, to February 15, 1884; John 
McCaw, to November 6, 1884; J. H. Haggerty, to March 1, 1885 ; J. A. 
Warbington, to March 1, 1889; AVilliam Dudgeon, to March 1, 1891; L. 
H. Summers, to March 1, 1892 ; William Dudgeon. 

BRIDGES. 

XEOSHO TOWNSHIP. 

Before any other township had moved to bridge its streams, or any 
action had been taken by the county looking to that end, Neosho town- 
ship, early in 1868, took steps to bridge several of the streams leading 



52 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

into the Neosho. A tax of oue-and-oue-fourth per cent., to pay for such 
bridges, was levied that j-ear. The dissatisfaction which resulted from 
this action was because of the belief that the money was not to be hon- 
estly appropriated, but that bridges of an inferior quality would be erected, 
for which a large price was to be paid. Thereupon, Anthony Amend 
was appointed commissioner by the Board of County Commissioners, to 
make estimates and oversee the construction of these bridges. 

PROPOSITIONS BY THE COUNTY. 

On June 21, 1871, the board, on petition of ninety-six electors, sub- 
mitted a proposition to vote ^40,000 for bridges in the county, and an 
election was called for July 21st. This proposition was opposed by the 
Register, but favored by the Advance; the latter, however, advocating 
making it $75,000 instead of $40,000. Afterward the Commissioners 
changed the amount to $105,000, and fixed the date of election for the 
latter part of August. It was proposed to expend the money as follows : 
$20,000 each for four bridges over the Neosho at points at or near Che- 
topa, Oswego, Montana, and Parsons, and the balance was to be expended 
in bridges at (me or more points over Labette, Hackberry, Pumpkin, and 
Big Hill creeks. A large anti-bridge-bond meeting was held at Mound 
Valley, and strong grounds taken against the issuance of bonds. On 
canvassing the vote it was found that not a single vote had been cast for 
J^onds excepting in four townships; these were as follows: Montana 1, 
Labette 5, Chetopa 156, Parsons 83, total 245 ; all the rest of the vote, 
amounting to 1,295 votes, was against the bounds. 

BRIDGES ACROSS THE LABETTE. 

The first bridge in the county built by order of the County Commis- 
sioners was across Labette creek, west of Oswego. The steps leading to 
this commenced on July 17, 1869, when the Commissioners ordered the 
question of issuing $1,300 in bonds to be submitted to the electors at the 
next general election. At the election held in November of that year 
the proposition for issuing bonds was carried, and on December 16th fol- 
lowing, the board issued $500 of the amount so voted to Thomas Powers, 
and contracted with him for the construction of the bridge. On Novem- 
ber 14, 1870, the contractor having failed to complete the bridge, the $500 
(amount appropriated by the county) being insufficient, the Commission- 
ers sold said bridge to Thomas Powers and W. W. Babbit, who proposed 
to make of the same a toll bridge ; they agreeing to pay the county $1,000 
in ten years. On February 20, 1871, Messrs. Horner, Weaver, Patrick and 
Condon were appointed a committee to see about the re-purchase of this 
bridge for the county. On March 3d they reported that the bridge was 
worth $2,500, and recommended the board to liquidate the outstanding 



PERMANENT SETTLEMENT. 53 



obligation agaiust it, and to assume control of the same. On April 3d 
by agreement, the contract with Messrs. Powers and Babbit was canceled' 
the county agreeing to pay $850 and take the bridge. The bridge was 
soon thereafter completed. On April 12, i878, an order of the board was 
made to repair this old bridge, at a cost of not to exceed $985. Subse- 
quently this order was revoked, and on June 5th a new bridge was ordered 
constructed. The site of the bridge was changed from the section line to 
a point farther down the creek, near where it crosses the township line 
from Fairview township to Oswego township. In 1884 this old wooden 
bridge was replaced by an iron bridge, at a cost of $1,995. 

On April 17, 1878, the board directed the construction of a bridge 
across the Labette, on the line leading from Oswego to Chetopa, at a 
cost of S999. With this a wooden bridge was constructed, and ready for 
crossing in October of that year. This bridge stood until 1885, when it 
was replaced with an iron structure, at a cost of $2,000. 

In 1883 an appropriation of $1,300 was made for a bridge across the 
Little Labette, and in 1884 an appropriation of $2,500 for a bridge across 
the main Labette, both near Parsons. 

A good bridge also spans this stream in Liberty township, west of the 
town of Labette; and perhaps there may be bridges at other points, of 
which I have not spoken. 

BRIDGES ACROSS THE NEOSHO. 

In the fall of 1871 Chetopa voted $10,000 for a bridge across the Neo- 
sho, work on which was commenced at once, and the abutments were 
completed early in 1872. Before the reorganization of the Board of 
County Commissioners in January, 1872, the old board made an appro- 
priation of $950 to aid in the construction of this Chetopa bridge This 
was a frame structure, and was completed in 1872; it remained until 
the spring of 1878, when it was washed away by high water. During 
the next year there was no bridge at this point, a ferry-boat being the 
means of crossing. In the spring of 1879 steps were taken to build a 
new bridge ; it was nearly done, when in July a wind-storm blew it down • 
work was again commenced, and it was nearly completed when, on Au- 
gust 14th, It was again entirely washed out by a rise in the river; it was 
not until November that the bridge was completed and ready for use 
ins bridge was a combination of wood and iron, and cost $1,900, $009 of 
which was paid by the county, and the balance by Chetopa. 

In 1888 this bridge gave place to the fine iron structure which now 
spans the Neosho at that point, and was erected entirely by the county 
at a cost of 88,500. 

On June 30, 1872, Oswego city and township voted $20,000 for the pur- 



54 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

pose of constructing two bridges across the Neosho; one was to be located 
north and the other southeast of town. A contract was made with the 
King Iron Bridge Company for the erection of these two bridges, for the 
sum of $19,650, to be completed by December of that year. By some 
means the bonds were issued and delivered before any w^ork was done, 
and as usually happens under such circumstances, the work was not 
done. Finally, some two years thereafter, a compromise was effected 
with the bridge company whereby it w^as to put in one bridge and be re- 
leased from its farther obligation. In 1874, under this arrangement, the 
bridge now spanning the Neosho north of town was constructed, and on 
November 27th of that year teams passed over it for the first time. On 
June 7, 1886, Oswego donated this bridge to the county, and it was ac- 
cepted by the county as a county bridge. 

In 188.5 it was arranged between the officers of Oswego city and the 
Commissioners of Cherokee county to build a bridge across the Neosho at 
a point directly east of Oswego, in Cherokee county. Under this arrange- 
ment an iron bridge was constructed during the year, for which Oswego 
built the piers and abutments and Cherokee county put on the structure. 
In April, 1885, the middle pier of this bridge, w^hich w^as then being 
erected, was washed away; in February, 1886, the bridge was completed 
and accepted. 

Several efforts have been made to secure a bridge across the Neosho at 
Montana. On September 29, 1881, Dr. J. M. Mahr presented the petition 
of himself and 131 others, asking for an appropriation to build a bridge 
at that point. The Commissioners did not make the appropriation, for 
the reason that the amount required was beyond the amount they were 
authorized to grant ; but they made an order submitting a proposition to 
the electors to vote on at the November election, whether or not they 
would authorize the issuance of S9,000 for the construction of such a 
bridge. At the election 309 votes were cast in favor of the proposition 
and 1,513 against it. 

In 1885 the Legislature passed an act authorizing the Commissioners to 
build a bridge across the Neosho, at a point to be designated by three 
commissioners appointed in the act. 

At the time of the passage of this law it was intended that provision 
was to be made for two bridges — one at Montana, and one east of Par- 
sons, and these points were designated by the commissioners. Notwith- 
standing the strenuous efforts that were made to procure an appropriation 
for a bridge, the Board of County Commissioners refused to act tliat year. 

In January, 1886, uuder authority of the act of 1885 above referred to, 
the board appropriated $7,000 for a bridge across the Neosho directly 
east of Parsons, and it was built that season. 



PERMANENT SE TTLEMENT. 



55 



lu 1888 the board made aii appiopriatioD of $8,500 for the construction 
of a bridge across the Neosho at Montana, and with this the iron bridge 
now spanning the stream at that point was built. 

BRIDGES ACROSS OTHER STREAMS. 

Without going into the particulars as to each appropriation made for 
bridges over the various streams in the county, I may say that appropri- 
ations have been made by the board for bridging all the streams in the 
county at nearly every point where they are crossed by the principal thor- 
oughfares : Hackberry, Pumpkin, Deer, Bachelor, Big Hill, The Cut-Ott", 
Chetopa, Turkey, as well as some of the smaller creeks, are spanned 
with substantial bridges which have been erected at the county's expense. 

1 think the general opinion is that the money expended for these 
bridges has been as wisely appropriated as any that the board has been 
called upon to make, and that no one feels that too much has been done 
in that direction. 

In building these bridges the board has usually required the township 
In which the bridge w^as located to put in the approaches, and sometimes 
to do even more than this ; but generally the main part of the expense 
has been borne by the county. 

U. S. CENSUS. 



Toivnships. 


1870. 


18S0. 


iSqo. 


Xeosho 


515 
581 
477 
930 
275 
282 
720 
783 
640 
464 
249 
480 


728 

895 

694 

1,394 

1,408 

626 

906 

871 

942 

852 

657 

675 

752 

1,096 

1.104 

1,280 

1,305 
2,351 
4,199 


621 
850 
714 
1,588 
1,829 
773 


North 


Walton 


0:>age 


Mound Valley (including city) 


Labette f.... !......„. 


Liberty 


861 
838 
660 


Montana 


Oswego 


Fairview 


8''6 


Mount Pleasant (including Altamont city) 

Canada 


1,230 
741 


Howard 


828 
1,400 


Elm Grove ( including Edna city) !...!."!! 





Hackberry 


637 

784 

960 
1,196 


Kicbland 


1,068 
•> 0(35 


Cities. 
Chetopa 


Oswego 


''* 574 


Parsons 


6,736 






Total of county 


9,973 


22,735 


•'7 586 


Altamont 




Edna 




26 
138 


301 


Mound Valley 




545 










56 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



ASSESSMENT FOR 1867. 

The following is the amoimt of taxable property in the several town- 
ships of the county as reported by the county assessor on the first assess- 
ment ever made of the county, in the year 1867: 



A7noiint 
of ta xable 
Name of toivnship . property. 

Oswego township $18,126 00 

Chetopa " 16,961 00 

Hackberry " 5,609 00 

Canada " 2,549 00 

North " 4,596 00 



Amount 
of taxable 
Name of township. property. 

Montana township $9,369 50 

Neosho " 17,120 00 

Labette " 3,116 Oa 

Big Hill " 1,862 Oa 



TAX SALES. 

So many different considerations enter into the question of the pay- 
ment or non-payment of taxes that I shall not attempt to assign any 
reason for the fact that in several years a very large proportion of the 
real estate has gone to tax sale. In 1877 an act was passed authorizing 
a sale of all real estate on which any county or city held tax-sale certifi- 
cates ; proceedings were required by which a judgment was rendered de- 
termining the amount due on each tract, and directing the sale of such 
tract to be made by the sheriff substantially as upon execution. Under 
the provisions of this act, one and one-half pages of the Independent were 
occupied in July, 1877, by a notice describing the real estate on which a 
judgment was to be asked. A small part of this property was redeemed 
before it went to sale, but the bulk of it was sold in December of that 
year, under these proceedings. As will be seen by the following state- 
ment, prior to 1877 very much more land went to sale for taxes than after 
that date. In 1873 the Advance contained twenty-five solid columns of 
description of real estate to be sold at tax sale. In 1874 the Independent 
contained thirty-five columns of such matter; in 1875, twenty-three col- 
umns. In 1876 the list was embraced in eight columns in the Herald. 
In 1877 it filled but seven and one-half columns of the Independent. Ii» 
1878 twelve columns of the Independent were required ; and a less amount 
of space has been required each year since. 

COUNTY EXPENSES. 

The first few years no detailed annual report of the county expenses was 
made; there are one or two reports prior to 1871, but it seems evident 
that the figures there given are incorrect. Reports exist subsequent to- 
1870, but as to some of them it is probable they do not cover exactly a 
year, and it is also quite evident that some mistakes have been made by 



PERMANENT SE TTLEMENT. 



5r 



the party who copied them or by the printer ; but it is believed the fol- 
lowing table shows substantially the amount expended by the county each 
fiscal year. For a number of years the fiscal year ended with July, but 
more recently it has closed with October : 

1879 $29,713 62 | 1887 $36,261 62 

1888 44,897 14 

1889 41,019 93 

1890 34,150 48 

1891 31,244 44 

1892 34,834 10 



1871 $21,125 74 

1872 23,621 81 

1873 36,380 92 

1874 31,459 45 

1875 27,439 71 

1876 23,814 89 

1877 23.895 28 

1878 31,789 84 



1880 32,797 62 

1881 27,224 96 

1882 38,589 13 

1883 40,958 43 

1884 47,760 60 

1885 40,657 53 

1886 48,296 44 



COLORED PEOPLE. 

From almost the first settlement of the county there have been a few 
colored people living in it, a number of whom have been successful and 
made good homes. Dairy Nero settled upon the S.E. )^ of section 15, 
adjoining Oswego, in 1866, and entered it at the Government land office, 
and has ever since made it his home. 

On April 4, 1870, the noon stage brought the news of the ratification of 
the fifteenth amendment, whereupon the colored men then in Oswego 
were informed of their rights, marched to the polls, the election being 
then in progress, where they deposited their ballots. Spencer Jones, who 
was the porter at the Oswego House, was the first colored man in the 
county, and of course one of the first in the State, to exercise the right of 
suffrage. 

In the fall of 1879 the "exodus" began, and hundreds of colored peo- 
ple, principally from Texas and Tennessee, and also many from other 
parts of the South, arrived in the county. Chetopa, Oswego and Parsons 
were almost overrun by them. Their coming was unexpected, and no 
provision for their care and comfort had been made. Buildings for shel- 
ter could not be procured. They were mostly without means, destitute 
of everything like comfortable clothing, and in a condition to appeal 
strongly to the sympathies of charitable people. Rough board sheds 
were erected and made as comfortable as could be, in which large num- 
bers were housed for that winter. During the next year or two others 
came in, until the number of colored people formed quite a large percent- 
age of the population of the cities named. Quite a number also were 
scattered over the county, more especially in the river bottom. 

A very great improvement has been made in their condition both intel- 
lectually and financially, and there are now among the colored people 
many well-to-do families, who are intelligent, industrious, and moraL 



58 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY 



Some of coarse have remained shiftless, trifliDg, aud worthless. From 
:all appearances they are a permanent part of the population. 

ATHLETICS. 

Almost from the first settlement of the county the lovers of base ball 
have been organized, aud have done what they could toward making the 
game popular and successful. As early as 1871 clubs were organized at 
Oswego and Chetopa, aud within the next two or three years organiz- 
ations were had at several other places in the county, and frequent local 
contests took place. The craze seems to have reached its highest point 
in 1885, when there was a great strife by the Oswego club to be the 
champions not only of the county but of southeastern Kansas, and under 
the leadership of F. C. Wheeler great proficiency w^as attained. The in- 
terest in the game has been kept up to a considerable extent, but since 
the departure of Mr. Wheeler it has never created the excitement it 
reached at that time. 

In the fall of 1885 a ladies' broom brigade w^as formed, aud attained a 
-considerable degree of skill at drilling under the command of Col. True. 

The roller-skating craze had perhaps for a season the greatest run of 
anything in the line of athletics that has been witnessed in the county. 
The height of its prosperity was witnessed about 1884. Commodious 
aud well-furnished rinks were erected at Parsons and Oswego, and per- 
haps at other places in the county, aud their ow^ners supposed that they 
had a permanent aud well-paying business established ; but the interest 
died out as suddenly as it arose, aud nothing farther was heard of it. 

OFFICIAL DELINQUENCIES. 

The county has been extremely fortunate since since its organization 
in having ofiicers who performed their duties satisfactorily aud who were 
true to the trust reposed in them. There have been three or four in- 
stances in which the county has been required to commence legal pro- 
ceedings in order to collect from its officers money w^hich they held in 
their official capacity. When H. C. Bridgmau went out of office as treas- 
urer his accouuts were found to be short. A suit against him and his 
bondsmen was instituted, pending which a settlement was had, in which 
it was agreed that he was indebted to the county in the sum of S8,750. 
This was settled by him and his bondsmen as follows : The County Com- 
missioners took from them the quarter-section of land on which they 
located the poor-farm, at the agreed price of SI, 000. They gave their 
note for S3, 000 and paid $1,750 in cash. By this means the county was 
:saved from any financial loss. 



RECEP770N TO PRESIDEXT HAYES. 59 

Wheu S. B. Abbott, the sheriff, completed the tax sale iiuder the pro- 
ceedings of 1877, he reported that he had received ^1,698.02, and that 
his charges for fees and services were ^2,008.48. These charges were 
largely in excess of what the law authorized. Suit was brought by the 
Commissioners to recover from him fees which he illegally held. The 
matter was finally settled by his paying 8802.02. 

Under a change of law regulating the fees of county officers, a question 
arose between the county and one or two of its officers as to what fees 
they were entitled to, and not agreeing on the construction of the law, 
the matter was settled in court. 

RECEPTION TO PRESIDENT HAYES. 

In the evening of September 24, 1879, President Rutherford B. Hayes 
and wife, General W. T. Sherman, George St. John and wife, and other 
dignitaries arrived at Parsons on their way to Neosho Falls, where they 
were to attend the district fair. People from all parts of Labette county 
went to Parsons, where a reception was tendered the Presidential party. 
An address of welcome was made by T. C. Cory, which was responded to 
by President Hayes and General Sherman. In the evening the whole 
assemblage was presented to the party. 



II^DUSTEIAL PUESUITS -COUNTY 
OEGANIZATIONS. 



FIRST WHEAT CROPS.— THRESHING-MACHINES AND GRIST- 
MILLS. 

In the fall of 1866 Charles Waclsack sowed a few acres of wheat, which 
he harvested the following summer ; this was probably the first wheat 
crop raised in the county. There was no threshing-machine here at the 
time, and he was compelled to thresh it by a more primitive method, 
which was by having his horses tread upon it. "When he got it to the 
mill it was so dirty that it would not make flour very palatable ; however, 
it was the best that could be done, and it furnished him with something 
in the line of breadstuffs during that year. 

Quite a number of farmers had enough ground in cultivation by the fall 
of 1867 to enable them to put out fairly good crops of wheat, and in 186S 
the first machinery for harvesting and threshing was brought to the 
county. The first threshing-machine was brought into the county by 
Ed. and George Cubbison. There were so many parties having wheat 
threshed who were all anxious to get it done early, that some of them had 
to be disappointed, and occasionally when the machine was through with 
a job the neighbors would take possession of it and put it at work at the 
next nearest place instead of allowing it to go out of the neighboihood. 

In 1870 Martin Jackson brought on a new reaper and Thomas Phillips 
a threshing-machine; these were probably the first machines of this kind 
south of the Hackberry. 

The first mill in the county, so far as I have learned, that was prepared 
to do anything at grinding wheat, was John Hart's mill, on the Labette. 
In addition to the corn buhrs which he had been using, he put in wheat 
buhrs in the fall of 1868, and was able to grind wheat for the farmers in 
that community. It was not until about 1873 that self-binders and steam 
threshers appeared. 

CASTOR BEANS. 

It is said that W. W. Robbins, in Pleasant Yalley, was the first person 
In the county to raise a crop of castor beans. This was in 1873. The 

(60) 



INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS, ETC. (^i 

yield was so good that the followiDg season many others planted, and 
since then this has been one of the largest crops raised. 

TAME GRASS. 

On July 8, 1873, Col. F. Swantick brought a load of timothy to Oswego, 
which he sold to B. F. Hobart, at 88 per ton. The next day he sold a 
load of clover to H. C. Draper, at the same price. This was the first tame 
hay marketed in the county. At that time very few farmers had com- 
menced to raise tame grass. Since then its production has generally in- 
creased, until now the crop of tame grass is quite an item in the annual 
production of the county. 

THE COTTON INDUSTRY. 

In the spring of 1873 G. W. Everhart procured the seed and distrib- 
uted it among the farmers along Labette creek, and secured the planting 
of quite a large acreage of cotton in the vicinity of Parsons. Mr. Ever- 
hart put in a small cotton-gin that fall, which he continued to operate 
some two or three years, when it was removed to the Indian Territory. 
On February 5, 1874, a cotton convention was lield at Parsons which 
resulted in awakening quite an interest in connection with the raising of 
this product. After 1876 there was nothing done in the way of raising 
cotton until 1879, when an enterprising colored man from Texas who 
was living on David Romine's place, a few miles southwest of Oswego, 
planted several acres of cotton and induced several other colored men 
living along the Neosho river to also put out a few acres. Mr. Romine 
assisted in the erection of a cotton-gin at Oswego that fall, and it was 
found that the crop was large and profitable, considering the small num- 
ber of acres that had been planted. In 1880, 98 bales were ginned and 
shipped; in 1881, 145 bales; in 1882 a very much larger acreage was 
planted, but the fall was so wet that it cut the crop short, and but 70 
bales were ginned. The prospect was good again in 1883 for a large 
crop, but this year, as the year previous, it was cut short by the wet fall, 
and but 45 bales were ginned. Two years of partial failure rather dis- 
couraged those who had been engaged in the business, and very little if 
any was planted thereafter in this vicinity. In 1889 the Oswego gin was 
taken to Chetopa, in the vicinity of which a few colored men had raised 
small crops, but the amount that has been raised the last few years has 
been inconsiderable. 

GRASSHOPPERS. 

In the fall of 1866 grasshoppers came in great quantities. Of the little 
crop that was raised that year most of it was matured so that they did 



62 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

uot damage it, but everythiug that was green was devoured by them. 
They stayed until cold weather came. A rain in the fall filled the little 
brooks, and so washed them down stream that in places wagon-loads of 
them could be gathered up. The following February was so warm that 
the eggs hatched, and a hard freeze coming on in March killed the young 
hoppers ; so they bothered no more at that time. The next visit they 
made this county was in September, 1874. They came in one day in such 
myriads that what was green in whole fields of corn was devoured by 
them in a single day. All the trees w^re stripped of their leaves, and 
fruit trees were left bare of all foliage, hanging full of ripe apples. 
They laid their eggs and disappeared in the fall, so that the wheat crop 
then sowed was not all destroyed. About the last of March in the fol- 
lowing spring they commenced hatching, and during April and May ate 
the young crop about as fast as it came on. Corn had to be planted two 
or three times; the last planting extending into July. About the last of 
May they commenced moving, and during the fore part of June they 
were nearly all gone. In September, 1876, there was another visitation 
of them, but not to as great an extent as there had been the two years 
preceding. 

In 1875 farmers learned that very much could be done towards destroy- 
ing the hoppers and saving the crops. Several methods of destruction 
were used, among others plowing a deep furrow into which the hoppers 
were driven and then covered, either by refilling it with dirt or by put- 
ting straw over them and burning them up. 

FISH AND GAME. 

All of the streams of the county are well supplied with fish. They are 
more numerous, of course, in the Neosho than in the smaller streams. 
Many have been taken from the Neosho measuring from four to six feet 
in length and two and one-half feet in circumference, weighing from 00 
to 100 pounds. 

On July 5, 1875, a large catfish of about the size just described got into 
a basin on the riffle at Motter's ford, east of Oswego, and could not get 
away. Two men who were crossing caught it, and brought it to town. 

In the early settlement of the county large numbers of wild animals of 
various kinds were caught, and added very much to the stock of provi- 
sions of the early settlers. Deer, antelope, wild geese and turkeys, and 
prairie chickens, as well as other birds and animals, were found in abun- 
dance. Coyotes, badgers and other carnivorous animals were here in 
larger numbers than was desirable to the settlers. As the county became 
settled they became less numerous. 



INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS, ETC. 



6a 



BOUNTY. 



\ 



Ou July 11, 1877, the Ccmty Commissioners passed au order puttlu^ 

mto perat,on ehapter 70 of the Laws of 1877, giving a bottnty on ,e Ip^ 

Of certam w,Id an.mals. Under this order, almost an mntm.erable m m 

be. Of sealps was presented during the years the law was In force "ml 

large sums of money were paid as bounty therefor. The law remine 

.n operation under the above order until January 13, 1885, w >en the Com 

m,ss,oners made an order revoking their previous ;ne, l^^J^^x^Z. 

no bounty has been paid for scalps of any wild animals. "" 

DEHORNING STOCK. 

In January, 1886, G. J. Coleman, of Moun,l Valley, created something 
Of an excitement In the neighborhood by dehorning his ca TW was 

the first, mstance in which that system of treatment of stock had been 
practiced ,n this county. A party who was not friendly wi h Mr Co,e 
man caused h,s arrest on the charge of cruelty to animals. On the trial 
he was acauuted, having convinced the Jury that his process was one of 
mercy rather than of cruelty to animais. Ever since that timrth"sy:. 
tern of treatment has been generally practiced. 

TEXAS FEVER. 
In 18(56, and tor several years thereafter, the people frequently became 
alanned over the Introduction of Te.xas cattle and the spread of Texas 
fe^r .among native stock. Several farmers lost quite a number of the 
cattle from what was supposed to be Te.xas fever. A number of ar rl s 
were made of those who had been Instrumental in bringing stick int 
the county, but it was seldom that a conviction was had It was a dil 
puted question as to whether or not the stock died from the'ff^ct of 
dsease contracted from those introduced, and there was a large" nough 
el ment ,n the county interested in bringing cattle in from the s uU to 

cut on. However, the law was finally enforced so vigorously that few 
parties attempted its violation. 



FIELD CROPS. 
On the pages following will be found, in tabulated form, a full report 
Of the vanous field crops of the county, from 1872 to 1805 inclut^e 

i'ted T^T% "■'""'''' ""*' ™'"^- ^"^ ''"^ --"""We tables I aul 
inilebted to the Reports of the State Board of Agriculture. 



•64 



HISTORY OF LABETTE COUXTY. 



Table showing the acres, product and value of field crops in Labette county. 









1872. 






1873. 




CKOPS. 


















Acres. 


Product. 


Value. 


Acres. 


Product.* 


Value.* 


Winter wheat 


bn, 


23,765 


475,300 


$712,950 


23,765 






Spring wheat 

Corn 


....bu. 


51 


612 


612 


84 






bu 


31,486 

11,113 

131 

12 


1,083,915 

333,390 

1,834 

468 


216 783 


34,631 






Oats 


bu. 


66,178 

1,375 

374 


10,608 

283 

16 






Rye 

Barley 

Riipkwlipaf 


....bu. 
....bu. 










bu 


92 


1,380 


1,380 


49 






Irish potatoes 

Sweet potatoes 

Sorghum 


....bu. 


764 


60,356 


36,213 


1,380 






bu. 


30 


3 090 


2,317 


64 






..gals. 


286 


16,302 


8.151 


379 






nfl<;tnr heans 


■ bn 


186 


3,720 


5,208 


156 








....lbs. 
.bu 


3 

1 

4 

745 


996 

10 

2,000 

1,762 


199 

12 

400 

8.810 


107 
41 
10 

576 






Flax 








....lbs. 
tons 






Millet and Huno-'n. 






Timothy meadow.... 
Clover meadow 




214 


428 


4,280 


214 






tons 


205 


410 


2,460 


207 






Prairie meadow 


...tons 


16,711 


25,066 


75,198 


8,810 






Timnthv nflstiire 




34 






6 








10 
462 






10 
463 






Rliie-f rasR nastiire 










Prairie pasture 


28.068 






27,238 






Totals 


114,373 






109,048 


1 




1 1 


1 








1874. 






1875. 




CROPS. 


















Acres. 


Product. 


Value. 


Acres. 


Product. 


Value. 


Winter wheat 


....bu. 


32,402 


583,236 


$466,588 


38,075 


761,515 


$723,439 


Spring wheat 


....bu. 


36 


360 


234 


12 


150 


112 


Corn 


....bu 


37,641 


752,820 


526,974 


44,490 


1,868,601 


373,720 


Oats 


bn. 


7,836 


117,.540 


58,770 


6,391 


242,886 


48,577 


Rye 


....bu. 


262 


5,240 


3,668 


313 


7,210 


4,326 


Barley 


....bu. 


41 


779 


662 


3 


90 


108 


Buckwheat 


....bu. 


38 


380 


570 


5 


110 


123 


Irish potatoes 


....bu. 


1,330 


26,600 


33,2.50 


1,109 


138,731 


55,492 


Sweet potatoes 


....bu. 


91 


6,825 


10,920 


99 


1.5,497 


11,622 


Sorghum 


..gals. 


485 


38,800 


25,220 


905 


113,244 


45,128 


Castor beans 


....bu. 


800 


9,600 


12.000 


1.564 


18,777 


18,777 


Cotton 


....lbs. 


90 


8,100 


1,053 


101 


20,298 


2,029 


Flax 


bu. 


436 


4,360 


7,040 


2,036 


20,362 


24,434 


Hemp 


....lbs. 


4 


3,000 


1.50 


5 


4,125 


2,681 


Tobacco 


....lbs. 


17 


11.900 


1,190 


12 


8.834 


662 


Broom corn 


....lbs. 


54 


37,800 


1,753 


95 


78,994 


3,949 


Millet and Hung'n.. 


...tons 


1,104 


2,208 


13,248 


1,215 


3,9.50 


15,800 


Timothy meadow.... 


...tons 


343 


515 


3,090 


266 


333 


1.998 


(Mover meadow 


...tons 


189 


378 


2,268 


63 


159 


954 


Prairie meadow 


...tons 


5,485 


5,485 


21,940 


10,055 


15,082 


60,328 






83 












Clover pasture 


25 












Blue-grass pasture 


21 








'..;..; 


Prairie pasture 


24,708 









Totals 


113,.521 




106,825 




$1,397,264 








1 







* There is nothing of record, either in the office of the State Board of Agriculture, 
or elsewhere, which shows the product and value by counties for 1873. — [N. C. 



IXDUS7RIAL PURSUITS, ETC. 



65 



Table 



sbowii^gUK^res, product and value of field crops in Labette county. 



Winter wheat bu 

Spring wheat bu 

<--(>i'u bu 

g«f-* bu! 

gye. bu. 

Barley bu. 

Buckwheat bu. 

Irish potatoes .bu! 

Sweet potatoes !!.bu. 

Sorghum .gals. 

Castor beans ...T.bu 

Cotton lb* 

Flax ■■.■.■..V.bu. 

Henap Ib^ 

J obacco ]b* 

Broom corn "lb< 

Millet and Hung'n..,."tons 

Timothy meadow tons 

Clover meadow tons 

Prairie meadow '.tons 

Timothy pasture 

Clover pasture .' 

Blue-grass pasture . 

Prairie pasture .*.'.."' 



Totals. 



....bu 
....bu 
....bu 
....bu 
....bu, 



Winter wheat bu 

Spring wheat 'bu 

^0':° bu 

g^ts bu 

Rye 

Barley 

Buckwheat...'.'.' 
Irish potatoes. 
Sweet potatoes 

Sorghum ^, 

Castor beans .!...........Tbu 

Cotton ]h^' 

^^^ ;::::.-::;:^: 

He/np lbs. 

Tobacco lbs. 

Broom corn .lbs 

Millet and Hung'n...*.'.'.'tons 

Timothy meadow tons 

Clover meadow tons 

Prairie meadow .... 
Timothy pasture..." 

Clover pasture 

Blue-grass pasture, 
Prairie pasture 

Totals 



.tons 




66 



HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



Table showing the acres, product and value of field crops in Labette county. 



Winter wheat bu. 

Spring wheat bu. 

Corn bu. 

Oats bu. 

Rye bu. 

Barley bu. 

Buckwheat bu. 

Irish potatoes bu. 

Sweet potatoes bu. 

Sorghum gals. 

Castor beans bu. 

Cotton lbs. 

Flax bu. 

Hemp lbs. 

Tobacco lbs. 

Broom corn lbs. 

Rice corn bu. 

Pearl millet tons 

Millet and Hung'u tons 

Timothy meadow tons 

Clover meadow tons 

Prairie meadow tons 

Timothy pasture 

Clover pasture 

Blue-grass pasture 

Other grasses 

Prairie pasture 



Totals 



1880. 



Acres. Product. Value. 



35.628 

13 

70,806 

12,192 



1,297 

113 

536 

6,885 

175 

1,092 

21 

6 

37 

20 

111 

4,049 

1,056 

371 

9,975 

288 

62 

808 



29,. 502 



434,420 

104 

,265,792 

426,720 

5,.580 

780 

384 

129,700 

14,736 

61.709 

82,620 

29,750 

9,828 

25, .500 

4,440 

22,650 

400 

445 

12.147 

2.112 

649 

14,963 



. 175,501 



^12,699 

88 

566,448 

110,947 

2,232 

390 

345 

110.245 

14.736 

27,769 

82,620 

2,677 

9,828 

1,.530 

444 

792 

160 

1,780 

48„588 

10, .560 

3,248 

43,392 



$1,451,522 



1881. 



Acres. 


Product. 


Value. 


40,518 


405,180 


$445,698 


11 


55 


52 


94,061 


1,696.098 


981.996 


8,0.52 


249.612 


82,371 


436 


6,104 


4,761 


8 


208 


166 


48 


576 


432 


3,097 


77,425 


116.137 


184 


10,120 


15,180 


506 


43,010 


20 644 


8,071 


104,923 


146.892 


•>•>•> 


66,600 


6,660 


680 


5,440 


7,616 


5 


4,200 


294 


25 


17,-500 


1.7.50 


430 


279, .500 


12, .577 


9 


90 


58 


463 


1,620 


8,910 


3,719 


8,368 


62,760 


923 


1,615 


12,112 


644 


1,288 


9,660 


15,892 


22,249 


144,618 


.509 




• 


115 






1 


583 


1 


39,139 




218,3.50 


$2,081,3.50 



Winter wheat bu. 

Spring wheat bu. 

Corn bu. 

Oats bu. 

Rye bu. 

Barley bu. 

Buckwheat bu. 

Irish potatoes bu. 

Sweet potat(.es bu. 

Sorghum gals. 

Castor beans.. bu. 

Cotton lbs. 

Flax bu. 

Tobacco lbs. 

Broom corn lbs. 

Rice corn bu. 

Pearl millet tons 

Millet and Hung'n tons 

Timothy meadow tons 

Clover meadow tons 

Prairie meadow tons 

Other tame grasses tons 

Prairie, under fence. ..tons 

Timothy pasture 

Clover pasture 

Other grasses 

Prairie pasture 



Totals 229,610 



1882 



Acres. 



2.5, .571 
25 

83,125 

12,907 

566 

41 

43 

1,030 

94 

709 

12,036 

130 

2,004 

16 

ia5 

196 
5,.579 
1,684 

224 
25,058 



15 

1,118 

56,934 



Product. Value 



562,562 

300 

3,325,000 

516,280 

10,7.54 

1,148 

344 

82,400 

7,0.50 

63.810 

110.7.54 

24,0.50 

24,048 

11,200 

82, .500 

352 

.588 

16,737 

3.368 

.560 

37, .587 



$4.50,049 

210 

1,163,7.50 

139.395 

5,914 

516 

258 

,57,680 

7,0.50 

28,714 

110,7.54 

2,405 

22,845 

1,120 

3,712 

176 

2,352 

100,422 

20.208 

3.360 

1.50,348 



1883. 



Acres. 



34,667 

483 

89,249 

13,870 

994 



1,632 

140 

754 

2,931 

76 

1,400 

25 

215 

56 



B,941 
'1.59 



1,818 
70,200 



Product. 



416,004 

4,347 

4,016,205 

624,150 



315 

130, .560 

12,600 

66,352 

32,241 

17,100 

14,000 

20,000 

107,500 

1,120 



29,058 
4,318 
1,.512 



4,091 
91,260 



$2,271,242 230.317 $2.326991 



INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS, ETC. 



67 



Table showing the acre?, product and value of field crops in Labette county. 



CROPS. . 


1884. 


1885. 


Acres. 


Product. 


Vahie. 


Acres. 


Product. 


Value. 


Winter wheat 

Spring wheat 

Corn 

Oats 

Rye 

Buckwheat 

Irish potatoes 

Sweet potatoes 


...bu. 
...bu. 
...bu. 
....bu. 
...bu. 
...bu. 
...bu. 
...bu. 
.gals. 
....bu. 
...bu. 
...lbs 
...lbs. 
...bu. 
..tons 
..tons 
..tons 
..tons 
..tons 
..tons 
..tons 


35,404 


672,676 


$417,059 


11,873 

54 

102,808 

16,007 

748 

34 

1,489 

81 

351 

6,448 

; 1,791 

1 ^ 
75 


142,476 

486 

2,.570.-200 

.560,245 

7,480 

408 

89,340 

3,-240 


$106,8.57 
365 


95,474 

13,612 

791 

14 

1,776 

54 

385 

2,708 

1,395 

163 
10,9-22 
3,0-25 
1,697 


3,914,434 

.558,092 

15,0-29 

112 

22-2,000 

7.020 

38,.500 

a5.-204 

16,740 

8.50 

46,7.50 

3,260 

36, (M2 

5,808 

3,818 


861,175 

1-28,361 

7,514 

1.55,400 

.5,616 

1.5.400 

.52,806 

18,414 

85 

1,636 

1,238 

198,-231 

37,7.52 

22,908 


771,060 
140.061 
3,740 
•204 
62,.538 
2,.593 
11,730 


Castor beans. 

Flax 

Tobacco 

Broom corn 


64,480 

10,746 

3,-200 

4.5,000 


103,168 

9,671 

320 

1,800 


Millet and Hung'n.... 

Timothy 

Clover 

Orchard fra^s 


14,587 

8,709 

•2,715 

.547 

; 2,497 

781 

66,676 


43,761 
1 
1 
1- 30,498 

! 

'' 47,9.59 


175,044 
152,490 












Other tame grasses.. 
Prairie, under fence. 


2,796 
66,916 


6,990 
95,020 


34,9.50 
403,835 


167,8.56 


Totals 


-237,218 




$2,362,455 


238,-275 





$1,709,497 










1886. 



Acres. Product. Value. 



Winter wheat 

Corn 


bu. 

bu 


Oats 


bu. 


Rye 


bu. 


Barlev 


....bu. 


Buckisheat 

Irish potatoes 

Sweet potatoes 

Sorghum 


....bu. 

bu. 

... bu. 


Castor beans 

('otton 


....bu. 
....lbs. 


Flax 


bu. 


Tobacco 


....lbs. 


Bn om corn 

Millet and Hung'n.. 
Timothy 


....lbs. 
...tons 


Clover ... 


Orchard grass 


...tone 



17,812 

104,383 

20.494 

749 

5 

i,5TT 

48 

524 

.5,769 

11 

643 



Blue trrass 

Other tame grasses 

Prairie, under fence. ..tons 

Totals 



253 
11,431 
16,418 
3,138 
388 
2.406 
1,366 
63.2.50 



213,744 

1,878,894 

614,820 

11,984 

100 

330 

90,660 

4,800 



.')7,eyu 
3,300 
6,430 



$149,621 

6.57,612 

184,446 

5,992 

30 

198 

.54,396 

4,800 

17,495 

86,.535 

264 

5,787 



l-26,.500 



4,427 
114,310 



1 

I i 

J- 37,143 ; -216,618 



164,908 



r,440 





1887. 




Acres. 


Product. 


Valtie. 


1.5,816 


316,320 


$189,792 


85,063 


2. 1-26. .575 


744.301 


'23,9-26 


837,410 


-209, a52 


138 


2,070 


828 


-20 


400 


160 


42 


630 


472 


1,302 


104.160 


78,120 


101 


10,100 


10,100 


.592 




19, .540 


8,946 


89,460 


80,514 


830 


8,300 


7,055 


2 


1,200 


1-20 


165 


99,000 


3,465 


.5,2.50 


10,.500 


42,000 


14,-268 


1 




2.793 


- *. 5,437 




292 


38,059 


1,896 


1 




1,208 


J 




43..5.55 


24,049 


96.196 



•206,205 $1,. 5-20,075 



Product of 1886. 



68 



HISTORY OF LABETTE COUXTY. 



Table showing tht- acre*, product and value of field crops in Labette county. 



Winter wheat bu. 

JSpring wheat bu. 

Coru.T bu 

Oats bu 

Rye bu 

Barley bu. 

Buckwheat ..bu. 

Irish potatoes bu. 

Sweet potatoes bu 

Sorghum 

Castor beans bu. 

Cotton lbs. 

Flax bu. 

Hemp lbs. 

Tobacco lbs. 

Broom corn lbs. 

Millet and HunLf'n tons 

Timothy .^. 

Clover.' 

Orchard grass tons 

Blue grass 

Other tame grasses 

Prairie, under fence. ..tons 



Totals 188,209 



1888. 



Acres. Product. 



14,066 

70 

80,702 

17,495 

271 

30 

36 ! 

1,027 I 

114 
1,215 t 
2,306 ; 



267,254 

1,120 

2,501,762 

804.770 

5,420 

9(K) 

540 

92.430 

10.260 

"'"'20,754' 
2,100 

5,800 



/ 'alue. 



86 

56 

5,430 

10,393 

1,628 

170 

1.688 

5.628 

45,066 



51,600 
44,800 
10,860 

1 
I 
;■ * 4,829 

I 



$221,820 

784 

&50,458 

169,001 

2,439 

315 

405 

60.079 

10,260 

40.269 

20,754 

168 

5,220 



5,160 

1.568 

43,440 



28,974 



J,424 



$1,344,540 216,914 



1889. 



Acres. Product. lvalue. 



22,703 
26 

80,577 
14,418 



13 

1.349 

120 

1,007 

2.431 

14 

682 

1 

2 

10 

5,077 

10,809 

3.057 

209 

2,271 

"'606 

71,149 



431.357 

416 

2,417,310 

360 4.50 

9,.575 



$267,441 

199 

410,942 

.50,463 

2,681 



134,900 
12,000 



17,017 
4,200 
.5,456 
700 
1,200 
6.000 

10,1,54 



30,969 



78 

53,960 

4,800 

36,2.52 

30,630 

336 

5,4.56 

35 

120 

210 

40.616 



92.907 



$1,029,016 



Winter wheat bu. 

Spring wheat bu 



Corn 

Oats 

Rye 

Barley 

Buckwheat 

Irish potatoes , 
Sweet potatoes 

Sorghum 

Castor beans... 

Cotton 

Flax 

Hemp 

Tobacco lbs. 

Broom corn lbs. 

Millet and Hung'n tons 

Alfalfa 

Timothy 

Clover 

Orchard grass tons 

Blue grass 

Other tame trrasses 

Prairie, under fence. ..tons 



,.bu. 
.lbs. 
.bu. 



Totals 1.53,836 



1890. 



Acres. Product. Value. 



21, .380 

10 

42,2.54 

15,7.52 

230 



1,341 

20 

424 

3,727 

28 
1,192 



48 
3,0.55 



9,768 

2,8.56 

89 

1,5.53 

792 

48,315 



256,560 

1(X) 

1,056,3.50 

472, .560 



37,270 
11,200 
21,920 



$223,207 

82 

422, .540 

1&5,396 

1,495 



80,460 
1,600 
1.5,264 
46,.588 
896 
27,400 



4, .582 



1 

I 

\ t 8,229 

I 

J 

19,809 



18,: 



288 



.57,603 
69,331 



$1,130,510 



1891. 



Acres. Ptoduct. Value. 



43,.542 

5 

62,187 

44,121 

494 

30 

112 

723 

55 

442 

2,640 

20 

10, .542 

10 

2 

69 

2,770 

10 

12,650 

3,693 

52 



740,214 

80 

1,243,740 

1,147,146 

7,410 

7.50 

1,680 

43,380 

4,785 



21,120 

5,000 

63,2.52 

7,000 

1,200 

34, .500 

.5,540 

1 

j 

J- §8,.541 



695 I 
63,363 ! ' 23.783 



249,683 $1,638,865 



S5' 



366 

60 

460,183 

321.200 

4.. 594 

375 

1.512 

24,726 

4.067 

17,680 

26,400 

400 

.50,601 

350 

120 

1,121 

22,160 



42,705 



>40 



* Product of 1887. t Product of 1888. | Product of 1889. 



roduct of 1890. 



IXDUSTRIAL PURSUns. 



, ETC. 



69 



Table showing the acres, product and v 



alue of field crops in Labette county. 



Winter wheat. 
Spring wheat.. 

Corn 

Oats 



...bu. 
...bu. 
...bu. 



1892. 



Acres. Product. 



bu. 



Ry^ 

Bariey b« 

Buckwheat ."!!;.';.'.'.".' ^ 

Irish notntno^ .. DU 



potatoes 
Sweet potatoe.* 
Castor beans.., 

Sorghum 

CotFon 

Flax 



.lbs. 
.lbs. 



Tobacco "'.'!.*.... 

Broom corn 

Millet and HungaVian.".;;.".";::"";; ,,„^^ 

Timothy .^ ^<^"8 

Clover 

Blue grass.. 

Alfalfa ; 

Orchard grassV."'.'.'.'.'."".'.'.'.'.".' ^'^"■* 

Other tame grasses.' 

Prai rie, under fence.'.'.".'....'.'.".'.'.' '.'."."..'".".'.".".'. ■,";■;■ 



Totiils. 



37,170 
49 
59,317 
30,749 
112 
8 
8 
484 
43 
1,625 
274 
10 
3,711 
1 
65 
1,992 
12,237 
2,302 
1.668 

48 

506 

38,957 

191,343 



520,380 

490 

889,755 

737,976 

1,456 

96 

80 

19.360 

3,440 

11,375 

"i.'soo" 

25.977 

600 

26 000 



Value 



\ * 9,706 



23.603 



Product of 1891. 



$286,209 

245 

284,721 

184,494 

655 

40 

60 

14,520 

3,784 

14,218 

6,632 

175 



845 
11.952 



48,530 



r0,809 



$950,031 



FARMERS' ORGANIZATIONS. 



Almost from the commencement of our history the farmers have in one 
of agriculture, and the advancement of their interests. 

FARMEKS' CLUBS. 

The first organization of this kind of which I have any knowledge was 
he Farmers' Club, of Oswego township, which was organized in Octob" 
18 .0. F. Swanwick was elected president, and J. P. Jones secretary 

The K.chland Township Farmers' Club was organized April 6, 187-^ 
although steps toward the organization of a club seem to have been taken 

t^f'Z'r '• ^' ^'^™^^ '"'' ^'^^^™^" -^^' '' ^- Watsorsete- 
t^ij of the temporary organization, and T. J. Calvin and J. N. Watson 
were the permanent president and secreta. y 

as^^-e^ideT^' ''''' '^'' ^^'^^'''^' ^^"^ ^^''-^'^ orgatnzed, with D. B. Crouse 

It is not inn3robable that clubs were organized at other points, of 
Hhich I have received no information. 



70 HISTORY OF LABET7E COUNTY. 

farmers' alliance. 
On May 20, 1882, a Farmers' AUiauce was organized at Chetopa, with 
Isaac Butterworth president and A. E. Bartlett secretary. I know of 
no other alliance being organized prior to the general move some years 
later. 

farmers' union. 

The only account I have of this organization is the following announce- 
ment for a 4th of July celebration, made by them June 14, 1873 : 

"There will be a basket picnic and meeting of the Farmers' Union of 
the county at Han's Mill, two and one-half miles northwest of Labette 
City, on the Labette river ; not only for the purpose of celebrating our 
nation's anniversary, but for the purpose of declaring our independence 
and emancipation from the thralldom of monopolies and corporations that 
now, through their moneyed influence, oppress the laboring classes (the 
bone and sinew of the nation) to an extent more alarming than the tyranny 
our forefathers emancipated themselves from. 

J. F. Piper, 
KicHARD Baker, 

W. HOUCK, 

^„.^T^^ Committee.'''' 

grange. 

The farmers' organization known as ''The Grange," or "Patrons of 
Husbandry," was introduced into this county in the summer of 1873. I 
do not know where the first grange in the county was organized, but John 
Nelson, of Neosho township, was county organizer, and on September 11, 
1873, he organized the Pleasant Valley Grange, in District No. 3. 

On October 15, 1873, Richland Grange was organized, at Watson's 
school-house, with D. J. Doolen master, J. C. McKnight overseer, and 
John N. Watson secretary. 

County Organization. — On December 19, 1873, the various granges 
of the county met at Labette, to form a council. J. F. Hill was chosen 
chairman, and C. W. Olmstead secretary. At this meeting a constitution 
which did not allow women to vote was adopted, but it was unsatisfactory 
to the local organizations. On December 27th an adjourned meeting 
was held, in which 70 delegates were present representing 20 granges. 
Women, who had been excluded from the former convention, were ad- 
mitted to this. The county organization was now completed, and the fol- 
lowing officers were elected: J. J. Woods, master; J. F. Hill, overseer; 
John Richardson, treasurer ; D. C. Thurston, secretary ; S. W. Collins, 
business agent; and the following executive committee: J. T. Lampson, 
S. M. Canaday, and T. A. Fellows. The first meeting after its organiza- 
tion was held February 24, 1874. At this meeting the secretaryship was 



hYDUSTRIAL PURSUITS, ETC. 71 

changed, and given to I. W. Patrick ; and a grange store was authorized 
to be started as soon as possible. H. C. Cook was appointed county or- 
ganizer. 

Store. — In 1874 a grange store was opened at Labette, with an au- 
thorized capital stock of $4,000. S. W. Collins, the business agent of 
the council, was salesman. In June, 1875, J. T. Lampson was appointed 
agent of the grange store in the place of Samuel Collins. From a finan- 
cial standpoint the store never proved a success, and quite an amount of 
money was sunk in the enterprise. 

Condemnatory Action. — On March 20, 1875, at a meeting of the 
county council, it was, on motion of J. C. Murphy, '•'Resolved, That the 
county council condemn the late action of the County Commissioners in 
regard to their refusal to accept aid to the destitute of Labette county." 
At the same time the following resolutions were adopted : 

''Resolved, By the Labette County Council of Patrons of Husbandry in 
its regular session, that we, as a body, asking boot from no one, and in 
sympathy with our unfortunate yeomanry of this State, do bitterly de- 
nounce and condemn the late action of the Senate of the State of Kansas 
in regard to relief to the destitute of this State, as miserly, misanthropic 
in its nature, wrong and injurious to its loyal destitute, and a shame and 
a disgrace to the fair name of grateful Kansas. 

"•Resolved, That we will lieartily indorse any action of the Governor of 
this State, by way of appropriating a portion of the surplus accumulated 
funds of the treasury of this State, to render aid, relief and assistance to 
those requiring the same from the destitution that visited the State last 
season. 

''Resolved, That we will not support for office anyone who would not 
be willing that the next legislature legalize the same.'' 

These organizations were maintained in the coimty but two or three 
years, or at least there was no active work done after that, although there 
may have been a few local organizations kept up somewhat longer. 

Examining County Offices. — In July, 1874, the county council of 
Patrons of Husbandry appointed a committee of five, consisting of Col. 
J. J. Woods, chairman, John F. Hill, secretary, S. M. Canaday, Thomas 
Bates, and J. Merwiu, to make a thorough examination of the county 
offices "for the purpose of ascertaining where the money goes." The 
committee spent some time in the court-house, and at the end of their in- 
vestigation made an exhaustive report, filling over five columns of news- 
pai)er. A number of recommendations were submitted by the committee, 
pointing out defects in the law which should be remedied and of admin- 
istration which should be corrected. It is not improbable that good re- 



72 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUXTY. 

suited from this examination, if in nothing else than in making a large 
proportion of the people better acquainted with the way their business 
was conducted. 

FAIR ASSOCIATIONS. 

LABETTE COU>TY AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL SOCIETY. 

On January 31, 1868, a number of the citizens of the county formed an 
organization for the purpose of locating fair grounds on the southwest 
quarter of section 16, township 33, range 21 ; and N. L. Hibbard, W. S. 
Newlou, C. H. Bent, Isaac Butter worth and others filed a charter in the 
office of the Secretary of State on February 13th for the incorporation of 
the Labette County Agricultural and Mechanical Society. W. S. Newlon 
was elected president and W. P. Bishop secretary. The second issue of 
the Neosho Valley Eagle contains a notice that the books of the society 
are open for subscription to its capital stock. This organization never 
succeeded in starting a fair, or doing anything that looked practically to 
that end. 

LABETTE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

In the latter part of June, 1870, a call was made through the Oswego 
Register for those interested in the organization of a fair to meet at the 
court-house on July 3d for the purpose of taking steps to secure such re- 
sult. On that day there was quite a gathering of the citizens of the 
county, who effected a temporary organization by electing D. B. Crouse 
chairman and Nelson Case secretary. The establishment of a fair was 
discussed, and it was finally agreed to organize the Labette County Agri- 
cultural and Horticultural Society. A board of directors representing all 
parts of the county was selected, and the following officers chosen : D. B. 
Crouse president, Jonas Clark vice-president, C. H. Lewis secretary, 
William Steele treasurer. Under this management a fair was held on 
the south bank of the Neosho river, on the northwest quarter of section 
1.5, in Oswego. The fair was a success. Annual fairs were thereafter 
held under the auspices of this society up to and including 1883. Most 
of these were successful both in the matter of securing a good display 
of the products of the county and in financial management. In 1873 a 
new charter was obtained, and the association put on a firmer basis. 
Fair grounds were purchased in the northeast part of Oswego city, and 
a commencement made toward improving and fitting them up for the 
holding of fairs. As indicating what the success of some of the first 
fairs were, I may mention that in 1873 the receipts were 82,135.15, and 
the disbursements 81,957.61; in 1874 the receipts were $2,279.84, and 
disbursements 82,386.09. The following two years the receipts were not 



INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS, ETC. 



enough to pay expenses and premiums, and a small indebtedness was 
thereby created. The next year or two was more successful. In 1880 a 
large amphitheater was erected, whereby an indebtedness was created, 
to secure which a mortgage on the company's grounds was executed ; 
and this finally was foreclosed, and the property sold thereunder. In 
1883 the association virtually disbanded, and made no other attempts at 
holding a fair. The following is a list of the presidents and secretaries 
of this association after the first fair: Presidents — 1871, D. B. Crouse: 
1872, Isaac Butterworth ; 1873, C. M. Monroe; 1874-5, J. J.Woods; 
1876, F. A. Bettis; 1877-8, R. W. Wright; 1879, J. P. Updegratt"; 1880. 
R. W. Wright; 1881, C. O. Perkins; 1882-3, C. Montague. Secretaries — 
1871, C. H. Lewis: 1872-4, C. B. Woodford; 1875-7, C. A. Wilkin: 
1878, C. B. Woodford, 1879-83, C. A. Wilkin. 

N'EOSHO VALLEY STOCK ASSOCIATION. 

In the summer of 1884, it having become apparent that the Agricultural 
and Horticultural Society was not going to hold a fair that season, a new 
organization under the name of the Neosho Valley Stock Association was 
formed, of which D. B. Crouse was president, Isaac Butterworth vice- 
president, and C. B. Woodford secretary. Under its auspices a fair was 
held on the fair grounds in Oswego, commencing the last of September. 
No premiums were paid, but diplomas were given according to merit. 
The treasurer's report at the close of the fair shows the total receipts to 
be S164.40, and expenses S156.65. In 1885 the officers were: J. F. Hill, 
president : D. Doyle, vice-president ; C. B. Woodford, secretary : and J. 
W. Marley, treasurer. Quite a successful fair was held, commencing Sep- 
tember 8th. 

LABETTE COUNTY HOKTICULTUKAL AND AGRICULTURAL FAIR ASSO- 
CIATION. 

No attempt was made at holding a fair at Oswego from 1885 to 1801. 
During the summer of 1891 a number of the citizens organized the Labette 
County Horticultural and Agricultural Fair Association, and elected R. W. 
Wright president, J. D. H. Reed secretary, J. G. Bradley treasurer and 
superintendent. A fair was held September 14th to 16th. The exhibits 
and attendance were encouraging. The receipts were large enough to pay 
all expenses, which amounted to .^260. 

In 1892 the association held its second fair, from September 29th to Oc- 
tober 1st. The officers this year were : J. B. Montgomery, president : J. 
D. H. Reed, secretary; George Pfaff, treasurer: and J. G. Bradley, super- 
intendent. The receipts were ^600, and all premiums and obligations 
were paid in full. " 



74 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY 



LABETTE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL, HORTICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL 
ASSOCIATION. 

Id the summer of 1872 a number of the citizens in the vicinity of the 
town of Labette organized the Labette County Agricultural, Horticultural 
and Mechanical Association, for the purpose of holding a fair at that point. 
F. C. Burnette was elected president and Wm. Houck secretary. A fair 
commencing the 8th of October of that year was held, with a fair degree 
of success. The following officers were elected for 1873 : President, S. W. 
Collins; vice-president, J. F. Piper; secretary, William Houck; treasurer, 
Harvey I. Cox. It was decided to hold a fair in the fore part of October, 
but no fair seems to have been held ; and this, apparently, was the last of 
this association. 

PARSONS FAIR AND DRIVING-PARK ASSOCIATION. 

Early in 1882 steps were taken by some of the citizens of Parsons to 
form an organization for the pui pose of holding a fair at that place. The 
Parsons Fair and Driving-Park Association was formed, with a board of 
directors composed of its leading business men, of wliich G. W. Gabriel 
was president and J. R. Brown secretary. Good grounds were secured 
and improved, and from 1882 to 1886, inclusive, successful fairs were held. 
After that no fair was held till 1892, when auotjier effort was made, with 
a good result. 

STOCK ASSOCIATION. 

In August, 18S4, the Short-Horn Breeders' Association was organized, 
with the following officers: Dr. B. K. Van Meter, president; Chas. W. 
Stoddard, vice-president; M. E. Williams, secretary; J. C. Christian, treas- 
urer. 

LABETTE COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

Those engaged in horticulture and fruit-growing were only a little be- 
hind those interested in agriculture and stock-raising, in taking steps to 
unite their interests for mutual improvement in growing and disposing of 
their products. The early records of the Labette County Horticultural 
Society have been lost, and I am not able to give the date of irs organiza- 
tion; but it was sometime prior to 1877. Nearly all of the fruit-growers 
in the vicinity of Oswego and a number in other parts of the county have 
been members and active workers of this society. Among those who have 
been most prominent as workers in the society I may mention the follow- 
ing: H. S. Coley, J. L. Williams, N. Sanford, J. A. Gates, John F. Hill, 
J. B. Draper, D. Doyle, Isaac Butterworth, W. S. Newlon, G. A. Stover, 
Wilf. Cooper, Henry Tibbitts, George Pfaft'. I do not wish to be under- 
stood as giving in this list the names of all of those who have been prom- 



INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS, ETC. 75 

inent workers iu this society, but only such as now occiir to me. Had I 
the records of the society the list might be very much enlarged. During 
the summer the society frequently holds picnics, at which all phases of 
the question of fruit-growing are fully and carefully discussed, and much 
of the success of the fruit-growing business may be fairly attributed to 
the work of this society. 

OTHER COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS. 

COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 

There is no existing record of the organization of this society. It was 
probably organized early in 1869. The first minutes I have been able to 
find of its meetings are those for a semi-annual meeting held at Oswego 
on November 7, 1870; the society was then called the Osage and South- 
ern Kansas Medical Association. C. M. Gilkey was president and Rob- 
ert Steele secretary. At this meeting it was voted to change the name 
to the Labette County Medical Association ; W. S. Newlon was elected 
president, George Lisle vice-president, Robert Steele secretary, and J. W. 
Wier treasurer. A uniform schedule of fees was adopted. 

On June 8, 1871, a meeting of the society was held, at which W. S. 
Newlon was president and D. D. McGrath secretary. 

On June 16, 187.5, after a lapse of two or three years, a meeting was 
held, and the association revived. George Lisle was elected president, 
W. S. Newlon vice-president, C. Humble secretary, and B. R. Van Meter 
treasurer. 

On May 18, 1885, the society again organized, and elected J. J. Kack- 
ley president and A. H. Garnett secretary. 

The society now maintains an organization and holds regular meetings. 

BAR ASSOCIATION. 

On September 15, 1881, the members of the bar met at the court-house 
and organized a county bar association, with the following officers : H. G. 
Webb president. Nelson Case and George S. King vice-presidents, J. H. 
Morrison secretary, J. A. Gates treasurer. This association was never 
very active, and after a brief existence it was abandoned ; since which 
time no effort has been made to organize or maintain an association. 

nOOSIEK ASSOCIATION. 

On June 19, 1886, the former residents of Indiana met at Labette City 
and organized a Hoosier Association. Wilf. Cooper was elected president 
and W. W. Cook secretary. This association has held several annual 
meetings since then, and maintains a feeling of friendship and pride 
among the old "Indianians." 



76 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUXTY. 

OLD settlers' association. 
Several attempts have been made to secure a permanent organization of 
the old settlers in the county. As early as April 16, 1884, there was a 
preliminary meeting held at the court-house in Oswego, at which a com- 
mittee was appointed to report a plan for enrollment at an adjourned meet- 
ing to be held thereafter. D. B. Crouse was chosen chairman and C. B. 
Woodford secretary. One or two other meetings were held the following 
month, and a form of constitution was adopted. However, this organiza- 
tion never did anything more than to have these preliminary meetings. 
In 1888 another effort was made to secure an organization, and a meeting 
of the old settlers was called through the Independent, to be held on the 
32d of February of that year. A committee was appointed at this meet- 
ing to call a public meeting and arrange for a large attendance of the old 
settlers throughout the county. This committee called such meeting to 
be held at the fair grounds in Oswego on May 10, 1888. An organization 
was formed at this time, and since then some two or three other meetings 
have been held; but the general interest has not yet been secured which 
it is to be hoped will be shown by those who have done so much to make 
the county what it is. 

THE LABETTE COUXTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 

In its issue of July 6, 1878, the Oswego Independent contained a notice 
of about a half-dozen lines stating that a meeting of the citizens of the 
county would be held at the court-house on Tuesday evening following, 
for the purpose of taking steps to organize a historical society. It was 
understood that this notice was inserted by J. S. Waters, who was then 
doing editorial work on the Independent. On July 9, 1878, a few par- 
ties met at the court-house, pursuant to said notice. Alexander Duncan, 
of Canada township, was made temporary chairman, and J. S. Waters 
temporary secretary. The matter of a historical society was talked of, 
and before the adjournment of the meeting a committee consisting of 
Nelson Case, W. A. Starr and R. M. Donley, was appointed to prepare a 
plan for organization to be submitted in one week from that time. On 
Tuesday evening, July 16, the meeting met as per adjournment. The 
committee appointed to prepare the plan reported through Nelson Case, 
its chairman, recommending the formation of a society on a very simple 
basis, "keeping in view sooner or later the incorporation of a society," 
and submitting the draft of a constitution. The report of the committee 
was adopted, and the following officers elected : President, Nelson Case ; 
vice-president, George Lisle; secretary, J. S. Waters; corresponding sec- 
retary, M. W. Reynolds; treasurer, C. M. Monroe; with vice-presidents 
from each of the townships. There has never been any change in the 



IXDUSTRIAL PURSUITS, ETC. 77 

] (residency siuce its orgauization. In 1879 W. A. Starr was elected sec- 
retary ill place of Mr. Waters, who moved away ; this position he cou- 
tluiied to hold until his death. On November 21, 1881, the society became 
incorporated \>y filing its charter in the oflHce of the Secretary of State. 
Since Mr. Starr's death E. B. Baldwin and J. R. Hill have filled the office 
of secretary ; H. C. Cook and M. E. Williams have held the office of treas- 
urer. 

The society has as near complete files of the county papers as it has 
been able to obtain, and has collected quite a number of relics and objects 
of interest connected with the early history of the county, and it is to be 
hoped that its work of usefulness has but just commenced. 

COUXTY CENTENNIAL BOARD. 

On Saturday, September 19, 1875, a meeting was held at Oswego, wliich 
was attended by citizens from various parts of the county, for the pur 
pose of organizing a board auxiliary to the State board to secure a proper 
representation at the Centennial Exposition. The constitution and by- 
laws recommended by the State board were adopted, and a board of man- 
agers elected, consisting of the following individuals: W. S. Newlon, P. 
T. Rhodes, F. B. McGill, Henry Tibbitts, J. F. Hill, J. J. Woods, A. Gebert, 
H. C. Cook, and J. M. Cavaness. A quorum of the board being present, a 
meeting was held, and the permanent officers of the board chosen, with 
the folIowMng result: President, J. M. Cavaness; vice-president, F. B. 
McGill ; secretary, J. F. Hill ; treasurer, J. J. Woods. The board of offi- 
cers constituted the executive committee. The committees whose duty 
it was to make collections of the various articles requested by tiie State 
board were all chosen. 

COLUMBIAN CLUB. 

On August 26, 1892, a meeting of the ladies of the county was held at 
the parlors of the Oswego House, for the purpose of seeing the county 
properly represented at the Columbian Exposition. The following per- 
manent officers were elected : Mrs. M. M. Woodruff, president : Mrs. Mary 
E. Perkins, vice-president: Mrs. Alice Greene, secretary: Mrs. Elizabeth 
Elliott, treasurer. Mrs. Woodruff having declined to serve, Mrs. Lyda A. 
Baldwin was elected president in her place. 

G. A. B. 

Pea Ridge Post, No. 118, is located at Chetopa, and was organized 
August 21, 1882. Post commanders: Capt. Thomas 0"Hare, Col. J. B. 
Cook, James F. Sterling, L. M. Bedell, S. T. Herman, W. O. Brecken- 
ridge, Robert Orme, William Stevens, and H. J. Schock. 

Antietam Post, No. 64, is located at I'arsons, and was organized June 



78 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

6, 1882. There are now 263 Dames on the roll. The post has a tract of 
grouDd in Oak Wood Cemetery, in which all old soldiers are buried free 
of expense if the friends so desire. On this lot they have already buried 
67. Nearly $3,000 has been expended on this burial-ground. Post com- 
manders: W. H. Morris, Luther Gilmore, H. L. Partridge, T. D. Ganer, 
W. P. Scholl, W. H. Porter, R. D. Talbot, J. D. Scott, and A. M. Sour- 
beer. 

Mound Valley Post, No. 139, was organized November 9, 1882. There 
are 110 names on its roll of old soldiers who have been members of this 
post. Only about 25 are in good standing ; five have died, and the others 
have withdrawn by suspension or removal. The following have been 
commanders : Josephus Moore, W. W. Harper, A. J. Ginger, L. C. Wil- 
moth, Ivy Prescott, L. E. Hanson, N. W. Wallis, and Ivy Prescott. 

Oswego Post, No. 150, was organized January 10, 1883, and has had 
the following commanders : John F. Hill, D. H. David, E. B. Baldwin, 
George P. Hall, J. C. Patterson, H. C. Cook, W. L. Burch, and R. W. 
Wright. 

Topping Post, No. 268, is located at Altamont, and was organized Sep- 
tember 8, 1883. Commanders : Daniel Reid, Ezra Bonebrake, J. C. Mur- 
phy, J. J. Miles, A. H. Waite, R. A. Davis, J. F. Hutfman, T. J. Hun, 
and T. H. Murray. It has a membership of twenty-two, and has lost 
three by death. 

Knoxville Post was organized at Kingston, May 18, 1883, with E. B. 
Baldwin commander. 



CRIMIlSrAL MATTEES. 



Ou August G, 1868, Charles Van Alstine killed J. C. Wheeler, near a 
saloon in Oswego in which they had been drinking. Van Alstine was 
tried and convicted of murder, and sent to the penitentiary. This was 
the first murder trial in the county. 

In the latter part of 1868 a half-breed Indian was intoxicated and mak- 
ing a disturbance on the streets of Chetopa. He was arrested by an offi- 
cer, who asked him where he got his whisky ; he told the officer if he 
would go with him he wonld show him. He went to a shanty ou the out- 
skirts of town, opened a door, and stooping down to his saddle-bags took 
therefrom a revolver, saying, "That is where I got my whisky," and fired, 
the ball striking the officer ou the forehead, but glanced instead of pene- 
trating the skull. The Indian was again arrested, and taken before the 
justice. A somewhat rough character called Bob Broadus told him he 
would be killed, and, if he had an opportunity, to run. The Indian soon 
started off, and was at once fired upon by a number of parties and killed. 

In 1870 John D. Coulter was postmaster at Oswego, and also agent of 
all the express companies that did business at that place. In the latter 
part of November of that year, without giving notice of his intention so 
to do, he left town, and was never seen here thereafter. He proved to he 
a defaulter to the Government and also the express companies in the sum 
of several hundred dollars. 

Authony Amend and John Pierce, living in Neosho township, had a 
difficulty over a child. Pierce shot and killed Amend, and then attempted 
to hide in the woods and tall grass. The grass was set on fire, and to 
escape, Pierce jumped into the Neosho and swam across. He was caught 
and taken to Jacksonville, where a vigilance committee hung him. This 
hanging took place in Neosho county. Several parties were arrested as 
being connected with it, but no one was ever convicted. 

On October 3, 1874, on the fair grounds at Oswego, John Bagby stabbed 
William Hogsett and Charles H. Westfall, both of whom were special 
police. Hogsett soon died, while Westfall, after a protracted confinement, 
recovered. Bagby was sent to the penitentiary. 

On November 2, 1870, Erastus E. and Liston P. Hopkins killed their 

(70) 



so HISrORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

brother-iu-law, Joliu M. May, by beating and wounding him \vitli poles 
and clubs. In June, 1871, they were tried tor this olfense. The State 
was represented by Judge D. P. Lowe, M. V. Yoss, and Jesse C. Harper, 
together with the county attorney. The defense was principally con- 
ducted by M. V. B. Bennett and J. D. Gamble. The defendants were 
convicted of murder in the second degree, after a protracted trial. A 
notable incident of this trial was in reference to the court driving a wit- 
ness named Chas. H. Butts from the witness stand during the giving of 
his testimony. It appeared by the testimony of Butts that he was a 
detective, and had been placed in the jail with the Hopkins brothers 
under the pretense of being guilty of some kind of a crime, for the real 
purpose of getting admissions from them to be of use on the trial. On 
these facts appearing, the presiding judge said that such a person was 
unworthy of credit, and should not be allowed to give testimony in his 
court; he was directed to leave the stand, which he did. 

On February 24, 1871, John Clark was killed at Chetopa by Frank 
Huber. Huber was tried, and convicted of murder in the first degree, 
and sentenced to be hung on September 1st; on August 31st a respite 
was granted until September 30th. Huber had been taken to Fort Scott 
after his trial for more safe confinement until the time of his execution. 
The last of August he was brought from Fort Scott to Oswego, where a 
gallows had been erected in front of the old jail, and where on the mor- 
row he was to be hung. After the respite arrived, and before the time 
of his execution, as then fixed, the Supreme Court granted him a new 
trial because of a defect in the form of the verdict. Preferring not to 
undergo the excitement of another trial, Huber succeeded in removing 
some of the stones and other rubbish that separated him from the outside 
world, and on the night of November 23, 1871, made his escape from the 
county jail, since which time he has never been heard of at this place. 
His case was the nearest we have ever been to having a legal execution 
in this county. 

On August 14, 1872, B. W. Harwood had a difficulty wnth the Blye 
brothers, and w^as very badly beaten and bruised by them. Later in the 
day he went to their home and fired into a crowd of people that w^ere 
there assembled, slightly wounding two persons. On the 15th he was 
arrested, and gave bond for his appearance at trial. On the morning of 
August 16th he was found on his premises, riddled with bullets. Three 
of the Blye brothers and a number of neighbors were arrested and tried 
for the murder. While people generally had no doubt about their guilt, 
the State failed to produce sufficient evidence to convict, and the defend- 
ants were all acquitted. 



C RIM IX A L MATTERS. §1 

On May 27, 1875, R. B. Myers absconded. It appeared from exami- 
nation made that for months he had been embezzling from the Adams 
Express Company, for whom he was agent. A statement was made by 
the general manager to the effect that as far back as December previous 
he had been detected in defalcation. In the fall of 1879 he was brought 
back from the west where he was found, on requisition, and on exami- 
nation was bound over to court. In proceedings pending the trial it was 
developed that the company was defectively organized, its charter being 
imperfect; and there being no law punishing embezzlement by an agent 
of a joint-stock company, Myers was permitted to go at liberty. 

On April 1, 1878, while Milton Engler and Samuel Clevinger were go- 
ing to their homes in Cherokee county from Chetopa in a state of intoxi- 
cation, they got into a quarrel ; the former stabbed the latter with a 
knife, from the effects of which he soon died. 

On Sunday morning, August 25, 1878, R. H. Clift, who was marshal 
of Chetopa, was shot and killed near town by John Richmond, a horse- 
thief whom he was attempting to arrest. Richmond had passed through 
town a few days before with a stolen mule in his possession, and was 
now returning to Missouri. Word having come that he was guilty of 
stealing the mule, parties in town who had seen him pass through in- 
formed the marshal of the circumstances, and he immediately started in 
pursuit. He soon overtook Richmond and ordered him to stop, telling 
him that he was under arrest. Richmond replied that he would return 
with him, but at once drew a revolver and shot Clift through the neck : 
he died that night. On the Wednesday following the Sunday on which 
Clift was shot, Richmond, having reached his home in Missouri near the 
village of White Hall, in Laurence countj% was there arrested for steal- 
ing the mule at a camp meeting. The next morning, August 29th, he 
was being taken to Mount Vernon, when Bently came up and informed 
the officers that Richmond was guilty of the murder of Clift. This was 
the first that the shooting of Clift was known at the home of Richmond. 
Richmond was taken to Mount Vernon, where he was held until Bently 
could get a requisition, and as soon as the same could be obtained 
Bently and United States Deputy Marshal Graham secured his delivery 
to them, and at once started with him for this county. Instead of taking 
the train at Carthage to Oswego, they decided to go the route through 
the Indian Territory, transferring to the M. K. & T. Rly. at Vinita. 
They arrived at Chetopa on the midnight train Thursday night, Septem- 
ber 5th. Masked men appeared in the train as soon as it stopped at 
Chetopa, and compelled the officers to take Richmond out: they took 
him out and proceeded to get into a 'bus. The mob surrounded the 
— 6 



82 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

'bus aDcl traiu, took Richmond from the officers, marched him a mile 
southwest of town, and strung him up to an old bridge, where he was 
left hanging until the next afternoon. This cold-blooded murder of 
Richmond was without excuse. His crime was a terrible one, but there 
would have been no difficulty in convicting and punishing him for it. 
No one except the participants know who were the criminals engaged in 
the second mui-der, and no effort was made to apprehend or punish them. 
One of the most brutal murders ever committed took place in Canada 
township, about the last of October, 1878. Theodore Munsterman and 
William Hunt some time previous thereto had had difficulty over the en- 
try of a claim. On the day of the murder Hunt and his wife had been 
to Oswego, and during their absence Munsterman had been seen around 
the premises. On their way home from Oswego, Hunt overtook Munster- 
man going in the direction of their home. He got in and rode with 
them. It was late in the evening when they arrived home. Hunt and 
Munsterman talked over their previous difficulty, and agreed to bury all 
differences. Munsterman was making his home with his sister several 
miles away, and it was suggested that he stay all night with Hunt. They 
had but one bed, and they made a pallet for him upon the floor in the 
same room in which they slept. During the night Mrs. Hunt awoke and 
found Munsterman at their bedside bending over her; she asked him what 
he wanted ; he said he w^anted to kiss her. Later in the night Munster- 
man got up and shot both Mr. and Mrs. Hunt in the head. Hunt was 
evidently killed at once. Probably Mrs. Hunt made some move, and to 
finish the job Munsterman took a hatchet and broke in her skull. He left 
them both in bed where they had slept, went out, locked the door, and 
took Hunt's team and moved off. He was seen the next day with the 
team, which he said he had borrowed and was going to the Territory for 
coal. It turned out that he took the team and hitched it in a ravine, and 
himself went to Chetopa. That evening one of the neighbor boys went 
to the house, but could not get in. He heard a groaning inside, and 
went and told his mother. Several of the neighbors were aroused and 
came to the house and broke open the door. They found Hunt dead, and 
Mrs. Hunt unable to speak and nearly dead. Munsterman was found, 
and at once arrested on suspicion that he had committed the murder. 
His account of having the team and of his whereabouts was entirely un- 
satisfactory, and he was placed in the county jail. By the time of the 
next term of court, when the case came on for trial, Mrs. Hunt had so 
far recovered as to be able to talk. She came upon the witness stand 
and identified Munsterman as the murderer, giving the story of the trans- 
action substantially as here recorded. Munsterman was convicted of 



CKIM/XAl MATTERS. gg 



murder in the first degree. He died in tl>e penitentiary, November 25, 



18S8. 



On Noveuiber 3, 1879, an obstrnctlon In the shape of a hand-car, with 
o d „ons and other material, was placed on the Frisco Ely., near Big H 11 
tat,on A detective was employe.1 to ascertain the gnilt • parties an 
thereafter Albert C. Tolllver was arrested for the offense. Tol liver made 

Sir' The";',""'";''"' •'->- ^^-T B-nes, sr., and his son In 
ci me. The old man Barnes was not found, but the younger Barnes was 
tned, and by what Is believed to be the most s.tccessfully planned Id 
carrted out conspiracy for perjury ever attempted in this court, part ci- 
pate 1 m by a large number of his friends and neighbors, was acitdtted. 

On December 2, 1879, Quincy Harris was arrested for operating an Illicit 
hsttlleryon Hackberry creek, and .John and Josiah Johnson fo. assisting 
by furnishing corn. Harris was taken in charge by the U. S. Marshal 

On July 10 1830, Daniel Tucker killed a colored man named William 

se,e,al days, and hired Dudley to take him to Neodesha with his team, 
on the p,«ense that he desired him to bring back a load of goods. On 
Sunday, July 11th parties passing west of Mound Valley saw where some 

eviVlen eTT 1 ;' "*,'" '''°"' '"" "°"^^" "^""^ "' "'ood and other 
evidences of a hard struggle. Physicians were called, and after examina- 
tion pronounced the blood and brains found to be those of a human being. 
That evening someone found the body of a colored man in a ravine son^e 
three miles away, and parties immediately started out to find the mur- 
derer. They soon found a wagon with a man and woman in it, and the 
team was identified as tlie one which had encamped the night before where 
the body was found. The man was arrested and proved to be Tucker the 
murderer of the colored man, William Dudley. He was convicted of 
murder in the first degree. 

On March 4, 1881, on a south-bmmd passenger train on the M. K & 
1. RIy., just as It was leaving Chetopa, James Hayden, who was from 
l^ebanon, Ky., and a passenger on the train, commenced firin- his re- 
volver promiscuously among the passengers. He shot and killed William 
Lewis, of McAhster, I. T., and wounded two others. He was at once 
arrested and taken from the train and lodged in jail. Soon thereafter 
■t being: supposed that he was Insane, an inquisition was held. In which 
It was determined that he was of unsound mind. His friends came from 
Kentucky and took him home. The shooting was caused by his suppos- 
g hat he was in danger of his life fron. the Indians, as he was neariug 
the Indian Territory. 

On September 37, 18S4, John Douglas killed Harry Fox, at his home 



34 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

in Canada township. Douglas escaped and went to Ohio, from whence 
he was brought back a year after, and on trial was convicted. 

At the May, 1885, term of the district court, Frank P. Myres was tried 
and convicted of stealing a span of mules. On his application he was 
granted a new trial. On the night of July 7, 1885, Winfield Scott Crouse, 
who was a prisoner in the county jail charged with murder, J. J. Thomp- 
son with liquor-selling, and a colored man, Mat Lingo, with assault and 
battery, broke jail and compelled Myres to go with them. The latter, 
however, did not leave town, but next morning returned and gave him- 
self up. On the night of July 20th Myres with others broke jail again, 
but he was soon found, at Yinita, and was returned to jail on the 28th. 
On the night of August 4th Myres was taken from jail. To secure his 
escape from jail, five locks had to be broken or unlocked. The next 
morning the locks were all found fastened and in good order. How the 
doors were opened is an unsolved mystery. On August 6th Myres's 
body w^as found in the Neosho river, just above the Oswego dam. 

During Myres's imprisonment Jacob jSIcLaughlin and Wash Berkaw^ 
were part of the time confined in jail with him on the charge of selling 
liquor. It is supposed that they feared testimony which Myres might 
give if called as a witness on their trial, and that they, after their release 
on bail, secured Myres and took him from the jail on the 4tli of August. 
On April 14, 1886, McLaughlin and Berkaw were arrested for the mur- 
der of Myres. On their examination Frank and George Davis, who were 
also confined in the jail at the time when Myres was taken therefrom, tes- 
tified that McLaughlin, with the assistance of Berkaw, took Myres from 
jail. The defendants were bo^li held to answer the charge of murder. 
On the trial of McLaughlin and Berkaw on the charge of murder in the 
district court, the Davis boys gave testimony directly contrary to what 
they had testified on the preliminary examination, and said that what 
they had testified to before was false. It was developed on the trial that 
after the preliminary examination had been had, the Davis boys went to 
the oflice of E. C. Ward, in Parsons, who was attorney for McLaughlin 
and Berkaw, where it was arranged between them that in the event of 
their giving testimony of the character which they did give upon the 
final trial, they should receive a certain sum of money. The money was 
deposited in bank, subject to their order upon the final acquittal of the 
defendants. The defendants were acquitted on the trial, although prob- 
ably no one had any doubt of their real guilt. 

At the close of the trial the court appointed a committee to investigate 
the conduct of E. C. Ward in connection with this transaction. The 
committee in the report found that he had been guilty of bribery, and 



CRIMIXAL MA TTERS. 



recommended that he be disbarred. Charges were preferred against him, 
and change of venue was had upon his application to the district court 
of Neosho county, where he was tried and found guilty, and a judgment 
of disbarment was entered. 

On the night of February 21, 1S85, Marcus A. Justice and Mayfield 
Carr, two colored men who had had some jealous feeling in reference to 
a woman, were in company near the M. K. & T. depot at Oswego. The 
next morning Carr was found dead in the cut of the Frisco Rly. between 
the M. K. & T. and the brick mill. Justice was charged with the mur- 
der, and on trial had on May 27, 1885, was convicted of murder in the 
first degree. 

On Xovember 16, 1885, George W. Gregson shot and killed W. A. Col- 
lins, in the Grand Central Hotel at Parsons. On February 19, 1886, he 
was convicted of murder in the first degree. 

In September, 1886, Wilf. Cooper got upon a freight train at Parsons 
to ride to his home at Labette City. There were some three or four 
other parties in the car, who proved to be tramps. Before arriving at 
Labette City they attacked Cooper and threw him out of the car. He 
recovered himself sufficiently to get to Labette City and telegraph to 
Oswego for the arrest of the parties, who were tried, convicted, and sent 
to the penitentiary. 

On June 26, 1888, the marshal at Chetopa had a warrant for the arrest 
of a colored man who was supposed to be engaged in the illegal sale of 
liquor, and who had made his boast that no officer could arrest him. The 
marshal called a man to his aid, and started to serve the warrant. An- 
other colored man had allied himself with the one they were seeking to 
arrest, and, seeing one of the officers coming, one of them secreted him- 
self behind the building, and the other from across the street leveled his 
gun at the officer. Both opened fire on the officers, and wounded them 
in a number of places in a way that was at the time supposed would 
prove fatal. The colored men ran at once, and secreted themselves in 
the loft of an old house. It was ascertained that they were in the house, 
and finding themselves hemmed in, they surrendered. The mayor put 
them under guard and sent for the sheriff, who arrived at Chetopa in the 
evening. It was not thought advisable to bring them to the county jail 
in the night-time. In the meantime the guard which had been placed 
over them was continued. They were placed in the city hall, the sheriff 
and guard remaining with them. A mob of masked men broke into the 
room, put a revolver in the face of the sheriff' and guard, blew out the 
light, slipped a noose over the head of each of the prisoners, dragged 
them to the rear end of the building, put them on a scaffold which had 



SQ HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

been piled upon a wagon standing by the side of the building, fastened 
the rope inside, and then drew the wagon from under them, where they 
were left to hang until the next morning. No serious attempt was ever 
made to discover the murderers of these men, and no prosecution for the 
crime was ever instituted. 

On April 1, 1890, Carrey S. Arnold killed John Bobzien, in the west 
part of the count}', for which he was afterwards tried and convicted. 

On October 22, 1892, William H. Mills, while sitting in a restaurant at 
Chetopa, was shot through the head by some party on the outside of the 
building, and instantly killed. G. A. Luman was arrested on suspicion, 
but has not yet had his trial. 

On December 17, 1892, Albert Shoemaker shot and killed his brother 
Allen. He claimed that the killing was in self-defense. His trial has 
not yet taken place. 

THE BEXDER SLAUGHTER-PEN. 

About the last of 1870 a family of Hollanders, or Germans, consisting 
of four persons — a man, his wife, son, and daughter — moved on the 
northeast quarter of section 13, township 31, range 17, in Osage township. 
The man was known as William Bender, the son and daughter as John 
and Kate. They erected a small frame house, 16x24 feet, which was di- 
vided into two parts by studding, on which hung an old wagon-sheet for 
a partition. In the front part they had a few articles for sale, such as 
tobacco, crackers, sardines, candies, powder, and shot. Just outside the 
door was a plain sign, "Groceries." In the front room were also two 
beds. They also pretended to furnish lunch and entertainment for trav- 
elers. In the back room, almost up against the partition studding, a hole 
just large enough to let a man down had been cut in the floor, the door to 
which raised with a leather strap. Under this an excavation had been 
made in the ground, leaving a hole some six or seven feet in diameter and 
about the same in depth. It was supposed that when a victim was killed 
In the daytime he was thrown into this hole until night, when he would be 
taken out and buried. Little was known of the family generally. They 
repelled rather than invited communication with their neighbors. Kate 
traveled over the county somewhat, giving spiritualistic lectures and like 
entertainments, but created very little stir or comment. The two young 
people occasionally went to church and singing-school, and the men fre- 
quently attended public meetings in the township. The place was on the 
road, as then traveled, from Osage Mission to Independence. During 1871 
and 1872 several parties had traveled the road, making inquiries for per- 
sons who were missing, and who had last been heard of at Fort Scott or 



CRIMIXAL MATTERS. 37 

Independence. About March 10, 1873, a public meeting was held at Har- 
mony Grove school-house, in District Xo. 30, to discuss the herd law. The 
matter of so many people being missing, and the fact that suspicion rested 
upon the people of Osage township, were spoken of. It was said a vigor- 
ous searcli should be made, under the sanction of a search-warrant. Both 
of the Benders were present. Father Dick said, ''Commence the search 
at my house," and father Dienst responded, "Yes, and go directly from 
there to my house." Old man Bender, who sat between them, made no 
reply. About the 1st of March, 1873, Dr. William York had left his home 
on Onion creek, in Montgomery county, in search of a man and child by 
the name of Loucher, who had left Independence for Iowa during the 
previous winter and had never thereafter been heard of by their friends. 
Dr. York reached Fort Scott, and started to return about March 8th, but 
never reached home. In the fore part of April, Col. A. M. York, with 
some fifty citizens from Montgomery county, started from Independence 
to make a thorough search for his brother. They went as far as Fort 
Scott, but could get no clue to the missing man. On their return they 
visited the Bender place and tried to induce Kate, who professed to be a 
clairvoyant, to make an effort to help discover the Doctor. But Kate was 
able to successfully elude their efforts without throwing any suspicion on 
herself. That night the Bender family left their place, went to Thayer, 
where they purchased tickets to Humboldt, and took the north-bound train 
at .5 o'cloc k on the following morning. A clay or two thereafter their team 
was found hitched a short distance from Thayer, and apparently nearly 
starved. It was about the 1st of May that a party passing the Bender 
place noticed the stock wandering around as though wanting care. On 
going to the stable he found the team gone, and a calf dead in a pen, ev i- 
dently having starved to death. He then went to the house, but found 
no one there. He notified the township trustee, who, with other parties, 
went to the premises and broke into the house, where they found nearly 
everything in usual order, little if anything aside from clothing and bed- 
clothing having been taken. A sickening stench almost drove them from 
the house. The trap-door in the back room was raised, and it was dis- 
covered that in the hole beneath was clotted blood which produced the 
stench. The house was removed from where it stood, but nothing further 
was found under it. In a garden near by a depression was noticed, and 
upon digging down the body of Dr. York was found buried, head down- 
ward, his feet being scarcely covered. His skull was smashed in, and his 
throat cut from ear to ear. On farther search seven more bodies were 
found, all of whom, except one, were afterwards identified by their friends, 
viz. : Loucher and his little girl, seven or eight years old, buried in one 



S8 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

hole; William Boyle, McCrattj-, Brown, and McKenzie. The other body 
was never identified. It is altogether probable that other parties were 
murdered, whose bodies were never found. 

From the victims the Benders seem to have procured, as far as it was 
afterwards ascertained, about the following money and property : From 
Boyle, SI, 900; from McCratty, $2,600; from Brown, $37, a team of 
horses and a wagon; from McKenzie, 40 cents; from Loucher, $38 and a 
good team and wagon ; from Dr. York, $10, a pony and saddle. A part 
of the property which they had disposed of was afterwards recognized 
and restored to the friends of the murdered men. Those who attempted 
to follow the Benders became satisfied of the following facts: They took 
the train at Thayer and all went as far as Chanute, where John and 
Kate got off and took the M. K. & T. train south, on which they went to 
Red river, in the Indian Territory, which was then the terminus of the 
road. Here they were subsequently joined by the old folks, who seemed 
to have gone to St. Louis after John and Kate left them at Chanute. 
Detectives thought they were able to trace their wanderings through 
Texas and New Mexico. Parties supposed to be the Benders were appre- 
hended in many parts of the country, and several were brought back to 
this county for identification, who proved to have little if any resem- 
blance to this butcher gang. Two women, supposed to be the old woman 
and Kate, were arrested in Michigan in 1890, and brought to this county 
on requisition. On habeas corpus proceedings they were released, the 
court being satisfied that they were not the Benders. However, some 
parties who were well acquainted with the Bender family still assert that 
these were the real Bender women. Several parties who lived near the 
Benders were supposed to be implicated with them in their crimes, and 
some of them were arrested, but on examination they were discharged, 
there not being sufficient evidence to hold them for trial. One or two of 
those thus arrested brought suit for false imprisonment, and obtained a 
verdict for a small amount as damages. 

VIGILANCE COMMITTEE. 

Members of this organization claim that it was formed at Luray, Clark 
county. Mo., in September, 18(33, by persons living along the borders of 
Iowa and Missouri, to protect themselves from horse-stealing and other 
crimes, and that from there the organization spread to other parts, and 
among them to Kansas. I am not interested in tracing its origin, but as 
a matter of public history it should probably be said that on one or two 
occasions they have made something of a stir in our county. 

In August, 1872, a secret organization of many of the citizens in the 



CRIMIXAL MATTERS. SO" 

western part of the county attempted to relieve the county of the pres- 
ence of a few parties who were then residing there, among them William 
M. Rogers, John Kramer, W. D. McBride, and W. H. Carpenter. These 
parties were visited at night by masked men and warned to leave the 
comity within a limited time. Some of them for a time disappeared in 
answer to this, but it was not long until the better-thinking portion of 
the community made its sentiments felt, and the proposition to have 
men's right to live there determined by a secret council was shown to be 
too unpopular to succeed. It was deemed best to allow people who were 
charged with objectionable practices to have a fair chance for vindicating 
themselves before any summary proceedings were taken to require them 
to disappear. 

On September 9, 1874, delegates from this and several adjoining coun- 
ties met at Stover school-house, in Fairview township, in grand council. 
The names of several of our prominent citizens, and some of them among 
the most respectable and conservative, were connected with this meetiug, 
and with the organization as then perfected. The business of the meet- 
ing was of course secret, but a series of resolutions was passed and given 
to the papers for publication. The tone of these resolutions indicates 
that the organization was assuming prerogatives which did not belong to 
any private organization, whether open or secret. It is quite likely that 
the organization has accomplished some good as an aid to the civil offi- 
cers in taking up and driving from our borders bauds of men engaged in 
larceny and other illegal transactions, and possibly for these services 
some of its utterances may be overlooked which cannot be justified. 

There have been a number of instances in the history of the county in 
which some of these secret organizations have played quite a conspicuous 
part in the settlement of criminal transactions, the facts in reference to- 
which I have not within my control, and therefore in reference to them 
I will not attempt to speak ; but It may be said that this county has 
probably been as free from transactions which cannot claim the sanction 
of law as has any county in a new State. 

CITIZENS' PEOTECTIVE ASSOCIATION. 

In 1879 there were various local organizations formed for the ]nirpose 
of aiding each other in resisting payment of what they claimed to be 
illegal obligations. Their contention was that they had made loans 
through loan agents representing Eastern capitalists, and that as the loan 
was not made until the application was received in New York and ac- 
cepted by the money-lenders there, and ^the notes were made payable in 
New York, it became a New York contract : and as the notes bore a rate 



90 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUXTY. 

of interest greater than was allowed by the law of New York, they were 
absolutely void under those laws. They received some encouragement 
in the way of legal counsel in the position they had taken, and some few 
efforts were made to defeat actions which were commenced for the col- 
lection of these notes. But the move was not as popular with the mass 
of the people as the leaders in it supposed it would be, and never re- 
sulted in anything more than expense to those engaged in it. A county 
organization was formed early in its history, of which J. B. Graham of 
Jacksonville was president, A. J. Robertson of Oswego vice-president, J. 
A. Robeson of Ripon secretary, J. W. Breidenthal of Ripou corresponding 
secretary, J. O. McKee of Parsons treasurer, T. P. Lane of Labette City 
marshal. These names are given as published at the time in the county 
papers. It is probable that the object of the organization was somewhat 
broader than here stated, but it was short lived, and is only mentioned 
as one of the incidents showing the tendency of public opinion on matters 
of finance and political economy. 



MISHAPS. 



lu eveiy community during a course of years there are more or less 
occurrences which are generally regarded as misfortunes, some of which 
are the result of accidents and some of carelessness or mismanagement. 
Of these there have been quite a number in the history of the county. 
A few of these have either come under my own observation, or the knowl- 
edge of them has come to me while searching for facts on other subjects. 
1 have made no effort to obtain this class of facts, but think it will not 
be out of place to mention a few of those about which I have learned. 

On August 31, 1868, C. A. Kelso and Augustus Melvin, while crossing 
the Neosho in a skiff above the mill-dam at Oswego, ran into a drift 
which carried them over the dam; Mr. Kelso succeeded in getting to 
shore, but Mr. Melvin was drowned. 

On September 18, 1869, the boiler to the saw-mill engine located on 
Big Hill creek, in Osage township, burst, and killed Messrs. Waymire 
and Worley, two of the proprietors. 

On April 20, 1870, Wm. Patterson and Henry Bodine were examining 
a revolver in a street near the Oswego House. The revolver was acci- 
dentally discharged by Mr. Patterson and Mr. Bodine was instantly 
killed. The deceased was at the time under-sheriff, and his death caused 
a good deal of annoyance in reference to official papers, as well as trouble 
to his family. 

In June, 1870, some parties came to the office of Dr. J. H. Lane, in 
Elston, in the night-time, and desired him to go several miles in the 
country to see a sick child. He lighted a lamp to dress by, but it was 
almost at once blown out, either by a gust of wind or by the parties in 
the room. He became unconscious. The last that he remembered in 
reference to this transaction was that he was on his horse going some- 
where — he knew not where. When he awoke to consciousness again 
he found himself in Missouri, and learned that several weeks' time had 
elapsed since he left his home. When he left he had quite a large sum 
of money on his person, most of which was gone when he found himself 
in Missouri. He was never able to give any account of the cause for his 
loss of consciousness, nor to intelligently trace his wanderings. 

(91) 



92 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

Only a week or two after the mysterious disappearance of Dr. Lane, 
the County Surveyor, E. G. Davidson, living near Daytonville, mys- 
teriously disappeared, and some time thereafter found himself in Oregon. 
He was never able to give any more satisfactory account of his trip than 
was Dr. Lane of his. After an absence of a few months Mr. Davidson 
and Dr. Lane both returned to their homes. 

In the summer of 1871 old Mr. Hart with his little daughter were at- 
tempting to cross Pumpkin creek, at Duncan's ford ; the creek was very 
high, but so strong was Hart's belief that he would not die until the sec- 
ond coming of Christ that he drove in, and he and his daughter as well 
as the team were drowned. 

In the fall of 1871 two children of Wm. Chatfield, in the north part of 
Mount Pleasant township, were burned to death. While the parents 
were both away from home, the boys, aged about four and six years, got 
some matches and were playing prairie fire. The mother, who was at a 
neighbors, saw the fire, and started home. The children got into a hen- 
house built of hay, and shut the door ; the fire caught into this, and in 
spite of the mother's efforts the children were burned beyond recognition 
before they could be rescued. 

On March 13, 1872, C. B. Pratt, postmaster at Ripon, was found dead 
in the road between his home and Chetopa, he having fallen from his 
wagon and been run over by one of the wheels. 

In May, 1878, a family came into Oswego and located in the east part 
of town, and almost immediately a part of the family broke out with 
small-pox ; several members died of the disease. 

About the middle of December, 1880, while Richard Sloan was paint- 
ing the Frisco House, at Oswego, he fell from the scaffold and was killed. 

In April, 1881, Alexander Bishop lost a number of head of stock from 
hydrophobia, and a few months after that some twenty-three head near 
Edna had to be killed on account of the same malady. 

In the summer of 1881 quite a large number of cattle in different parts 
of the county died from hydrophobia. 

On September 20, 1881, the boiler of a locomotive on the M. K. & T. 
exploded near the residence of Ben Roberts, and killed the engineer and 
fireman and also two other engineers who were running with them, and 
tore the freight train almost to pieces. 

On December 12, 1881, while W. P. Wilson and his son Thomas J. 
were crossing Pumpkin creek, the water in which was then very high, 
their wagon capsized and young Mr. Wilson was drowned. 

On May 13, 1882, a locomotive on the M. K. & T., while stopping at 
Oswego, by some means got started while both the engineer and fireman 



MISHAPS. 93 



were in the depot getting orders. It ran a mile or two north, where it 
collided with a passenger train and smashed both engines, but killed no 
one. 

On Jnly 24; 1883, Edgar Stonecipher, a little son of Mrs. Sallie J. 
Stonecipher, died of hydrophobia. A little play dog had a few days be- 
fore that made a scratch on his hand, which was not at the time thought 
sufficient to be at all dangerous, but from the effects of which the boy 
died. 

During the high water of June and July, 1885, travel over the Labette 
bottom above Parsons had to be by boat. On July 2d, Master Mechanic 
W. E. Phillips, having Chester Jones and T. Fox in the boat with him, 
was drawn into a current, and all were drowned. 

In July, 1886, the boiler of the National Mills, at Parsons, exploded, 
and caused a great destruction of property. 

In July, 188(3, a family of movers stopped just before crossing the 
bridge north of Oswego, and for some cause their team commenced back- 
ing and backed the wagon off the bluff to the right. The mother was 
badly injured and a little boy had his leg broken. 

In April, 1892, the barn of William Kollenberger, of Elm Grove town- 
ship, was struck by lightning. Five horses and two cattle were killed, 
and the barn, with its contents of tools, grain, etc., burned. 



WEATHEK. 



1865. — Fore part of the seasou pleasant. July 4th, Neosho higher 
thaD has ever been known at any time clown to 1885. Fall pleasant. 
Stock did well during winter, grazing on river bottom. 

1866. — About usual weather up to May. June wet; all the streams 
were overflowing. What little crop was planted did well where it was 
not killed by overflow. In September the grasshoppers came in great 
numbers, and ate up everything that was green, completely filling the 
earth with their eggs. Fall and winter very mild. 

1867. — January and February were very warm; the leaves were 
started in February, and grasshoppers' eggs were hatching this month. 
March was disagreeable, and colder than either of the winter months; it 
froze hard, and the young grasshoppers were all killed ; they gave no 
trouble that seasou. Crops were not planted until the last of April. 
May and June pleasant. Latter part of June and July extremely wet ; 
ground too wet to get on it with machines ; grain had to be cut with 
cradles; streams overflowed. Very dry during the fall; streams got 
very low. A little cold weather during December. 

1868. — There was considerable cold weather during January, the ther- 
mometer indicating 3 or 4 degrees below zero, and the ice on the Neosho 
being six to eight inches thick; the cold extended into the fore part of 
February. February was milder; some corn planted the last of the 
month made a good crop. A few showers during the fore part of March ; 
snow and hail storms about the middle ; it was a very windy month. Corn 
was generally planted about the first of April ; cattle turned out to grass 
about the 10th. Several good showers during May. June was very dry, 
grass injured; corn badly damaged by hot and dry weather; harvest 
commenced about the last of June. The middle of July the thermometer 
ranged from 110 to 115. The latter part of August was the first time the 
ground had been soaking wet for a year. September, heavy rains ; 
streams overflowed. Wheat-sowing took place in October. Middle of 
November the ground was frozen. Latter part of November and fore 
part of December severe sleet and snow-storm, and the same during the 
latter part of December. 

(94) 



WEATHER. 



95 



1869.— January and Febniary were mild and wet; the Neosho was 
over-bank ; cattle did well on the range with little or no feed. February 
25th was the coldest day. of the winter; thermometer 5 degrees below 
zero; little snow during the winter. March was windy, rainy and dis- 
agreeable ; cattle turned on the range the first of April. Corn mostly 
planted the latter part of April. Plenty of garden truck the latter part 
of May and fore part of June ; frequent rains during June. Wheat har- 
vest commenced the first of July. August was dry and hot. Plenty of 
rains during the fall. Snow the 16th of November, and December 10th 
it fell to the depth of fourteen inches. 

1870.— There were several cold days in January, but no extremely cold 
weather; several slight snows during January and February. February 
pleasant. Quite a hard snow on the 12th of March ; the last of March a 
good rain, which was the first hard rain during the spring. On April 
16th there was a hard frost which cut down the corn and potatoes. 
Wheat harvest commenced about the middle of June ; latter part of June 
and fore part of July very hot. Latter part of July aud fore part of Au- 
gust hot and dry ; heavy rains the latter part of August. The fall very 
seasonable. High water during the latter part of October. Several 
inches of snow the latter part of December. 

1871.— January 1st was pleasant; lettuce was growing in the gardens 
large enough to eat; January 12th to 15th heavy snow-storms; ex- 
tremely cold ; snow fifteen inches deep. February 3d a heavy rain, ac- 
companied by wind. April 21st heavy frost, which killed grass and 
fruit. Last week of June was very warm ; thermometer stood at 90 to 
104 degrees; wheat harvest commenced the 1st of June. On the 1st of 
July a good rain fell. August and September were dry. November 13th, 
the first freeze ; 18th, first snow. December cold, with little snow. 

1872.— January cold, but generally pleasant ; 7th, fourteen inches of 
snow. February 1st, sleet and snow. March dry, and w^heat suffering. 
Middle of May a good rain ; last of May new potatoes were in market. 
AVheat harvest commenced about the 20th of June. Part of last half of 
December very cold. 

1873.— Fore part of January sleet; snow aud showers during latter 
part of mouth. February was fine, with showers of rain, and snow. 
Severe hail-storms during April; one very severe on the 5th ; on the 8th 
it snowed and sleeted all day ; at night the ground was covered with snow 
to the depth of four inches. During May and June there were heavy 
raius; Neosho river overflowed; harvest commenced about the 20th of 
June. August was very dry. 

1874.— January pleasant, little snow or cold. Season all that could 



■96 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

be desired for crops up to July. Chinch-bugs work ou wheat some this 
year ; harvest commenced about June 10th. July and August extremely 
hot; corn greatly injured; in August grasshoppers came. November 
18th a sleet, and first freeze. 

1875. — January was cold, but little snow. More snow in February. 
Oats sown about the 10th of March. Corn planting commenced about 
the 1st of April, and continued until June ou account of two crops being 
eaten off by the grasshoppers. 

1876. — Opened with a hard rain ; no snow during January; weather 
cold, but not severe. No snow in February and considerable cold weather. 
March 19th, ten inches of snow on the ground, and the weather cold. Year 
closed with a cold spell and hard snow-storm. 

1877. — Fore part of January sleet and snow and weather somewhat 
cold, but generally the month was pleasant. During February and March 
there was much rain and roads muddy. Heavy rains in April and May. 
The fore part of May Professor Riley was in the county investigating 
grasshoppers; the eggs were then hatching. June 5th to 8th heavy 
rains and streams at high-water mark ; houses on bottoms surrounded 
with water, corn crop washed out; June 28th one of the hardest rains 
€ver known, accompanied by wind and hail. This season the corn was 
replanted two and in some instances three times. There was plenty of 
rain during July and August. November 8th wind and snow. Decem- 
ber was wet and muddy ; no snow during the latter part. 

1878. — January generally wet; roads muddy; wheat looked fine. 
February continued wet, but generally pleasant. In May the Neosho 
river overflowed ; boats used for travel on the bottom-lauds ; many fami- 
lies had to leave their homes and go to higher grounds ; the San Francisco 
track was washed out ; the streams were all out of bank. During June it 
rained almost incessantly ; the ground too wet to harvest with machines ; 
wheat cutting commenced about the 6th of June ; most of it had to be cut 
with cradles ; much of it was lost because of inability to get on the ground 
to harvest. Latter part of July and August were dry and hot. No frost 
until the 1st of December ; about the middle of December heavy sleet ; 
December 17th and following, Neosho frozen over — ice six to eight inches 
thick. 

1879. — The first part of January was cold, with six inches of snow on 
the ground ; more snow during the latter part of the mouth. New pota- 
toes in market about the middle of May. Wheat-cutting commenced 
June 10th ; rain during the latter part of June. July and fore part of 
August hot ; some fine rains. Good rains about the middle of August. 
The grasshoppers create a scare in September, but do no great amount 



WEATHER. 97 



of damage. The fall was dry and warm ; November 10th a good rain. 
The year closed with the ground covered with ice and snow. 

1880. — January warm ; very little ice or snow. February, oats were 
sown and garden made. March was colder than January or February. 
April 28th, Prof. John Tice visited Oswego and lectured on cyclones: 
came to make scientific investigation on this subject. Plenty of ram 
during May and June ; crops look well. Summer very seasonable. Last 
part of August dry. October 7th, six inches of snow. November 16th, 
snowed all day, and was snowy and disagreeable until the 20th. Decem- 
ber 33d, 13 degrees below zero; ice on the Neosho six inches thick. 

1881. — Large quantities of ice were taken from the river the fore part 
of January. February 11th, hard snow-storm; 23 degrees below zero. 
March, snowy. The summer was generally dry and hot. Rains com- 
menced about the first of October. November 25th, sleet and ice. 

1882. — January warm and muddy during the first part of the month, 
with cold weather the last part. February, a good deal of rain and little 
winter. May 12th, sleet and frost. Much rain during May and June. 
Hot wind in September. Considerable snow in December. 

1883. — First part of January, good sleighing and cold weather; Jan- 
uary 5th, 30 degrees below zero; the month generally cold, with plenty 
of ice and snow. Fore part of February, a severe storm. The streams 
were all frozen from Christmas of 1882 up the middle of February ; gen- 
erally frozen to the bottom, so that it was difficult to get stock-water; 
February 14th, ice commenced breaking up ; latter part of February, 
rained so that by the opening of March roads were almost impassable. 
Spring was very cold and backward. June w^as very hot; 14th, the 
streams were out of their banks. Good rains during July. November 
12th, a hard freeze. December 3, five inches of snow, and more snow 
during latter part of the month. 

1884. — January 1st, five degrees below zero; ground covered with 
snow ; January 3d, fifteen to twenty degrees below zero ; January one of 
the most disagreeable months for years. February was also wet and dis- 
agreeable ; February 12th, one of the very hardest sleets ever experienced 
in this part of the country ; many trees broken down. Spring did not 
really open until about the middle of March. May 1st, river high. 
Plenty of rain all summer. December 11th, snow storm; latter half of 
the month cold. 

1885. — First part of January rainy ; 23d, six inches of snow fell. 
February mostly cold, with considerable snow ; March 17th, ground cov- 
ered with snow, weather cold. This year was noted for its floods, no 
less than three occurring during the season. Heavy rains during April 

— 7 



98 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



resulted in all the streams rising almost, if not quite, as high as had ever 
before been known ; by the 22d of the month all of the bottom lands 
were submerged and crops destroyed; fences were washed away, and 
very much stock was drowned. On May 8th there was a slight freeze, 
and snow; corn was re-planted, and very largely injured by the web- 
worm. In the latter part of June the rain again set in, and by the open- 
ing of July the bottom was a second time entirely overflowed, this time 
the water being several inches higher than had ever before been known ; 
families had to be brought out of the bottom to save them from perish- 
ing ; many hundred acres of wheat that had been cut was washed away, 
and all crops that had been planted on the bottom lands were ruined ; 
railway tracks in many places were entirely under water, and all trains 
were for a time stopped. On the San Francisco road, east of Oswego, a 
train-load of cattle was attempting to cross, but was stopped at the 
Neosho river bridge because of its dangerous condition, and before it 
could back up to high ground a large section of embankment had become 
washed away, leaving the train standing in the middle of a lake several 
miles in width. An attempt was made to drive out a part of the stock ; 
a number of them were drowned, and for days feed was s^hipped to the 
remainder of them in boats. Passengers and mail were transported from 
the east side of the river in boats for a number of days ; freight ship- 
ments were completely blocked. The third overflow this season occurred 
in September, and while the water did not reach the height of either of 
the other two, yet all of the bottom land was inundated, and all crops 
thereon were destroyed. October and November were so muddy that 
farmers could hardly get into the fields to gather corn ; in the middle of 
November the ground was frozen, and several inches of snow. Decem- 
ber 25th, ten degrees below zero. 

1886. — January opened warm; damp and a little snow the first few 
days ; several days of quite cold weather about the middle of the month : 
moderate the last half. Quite a snow-storm the first of February, but 
the month was generally pleasant. March was a cold mouth ; several 
snow-storms and little spring weather until the last of the month. April 
and May were pleasant and seasonable months. July was a hot month. 
December opened and closed with cold weather ; the thermometer stand- 
ing several degrees below zero most of the month. 

1887. — January and February pleasant; little snow and no very cold 
weather. March cold and quite a snow at the close of the month. July 
dry and hot. Good rains during August. November 10th first freeze ; 
latter part of the mouth cold. December moderate and little snow. 

1888. — A few cold days during January, but most of the month pleas- 



WEATHER. 99 



ant. February somewhat colder. Little spring weather imtil the middle 
of March ; March 28th ground covered with snow. July very hot ; corn 
damaged. November 10th the first snow. December a little snow ; 
weather generally moderate. 

1889. — January quite wet; little cold. Latter part of February six 
inches of snow and several cold days. March and fore part of April 
damp and cold. July hot. December a very pleasant month. 

1890. — January 7th sleet and snow-storm; latter part of the month 
and first part of February very pleasant. Considerable cold weather dur- 
ing latter part of February and fore part of March. April dry. May 
16th a hard frost. June and July extremely hot and dry. Good rains in 
August; August 17th a severe hail and electrical storm. September was 
cold. October 27th the first freeze. November wet and cold. Decem- 
ber 7th eight inches of ice and snow ; latter part of December mild. 

1891. — Fore part of January cold ; most of the month mild. Febru- 
ary wet and very cold. March 7th snow storm. Spring backward. June, 
river banks full. Fall dry and hot. Wheat could not be gotten in until 
latter part of October and fore part of November. November 12th quite 
a hard freeze ; latter part of November and December pleasant and mild. 

1893. — Severe snow during January; little weather that was very 
cold. Middle of March quite cold, and considerable snow. Spring back- 
ward ; oats not sown until April. Heavy rains in May ; streams up. 
Latter part of June wet weather interfered with harvesting. August 
and September dry. Wheat generally sown about the last of October. 
November, good rains ; month pleasant. December generally damp, 
cloudy and chilly, but no very cold weather till Christmas evening, when 
it turned cold and so continued for several days ; several slight snows 
during the month, but not enough at any time to make sleighing. Year 
closed with very little snow on ground, and ground slightly frozen. 



L.orc. 



STORMS. 



1871. — July 10th, hard wind followed by rain, at Parsons. August 
37th, hard wind-storm at Chetopa; several houses blown down (among 
them Lockwood's house, four miles west) ; tornado from northwest to 
southeast over Elm Grove and other townships ; over 20 houses badly 
damaged and several completely destroyed; Mrs. Scott and child, in 
Howard township, killed ; one man had arm broken ; Alfred Swope's 
house all blown to pieces ; Mat. Sharp's house, with 16 in it, blown over. 

1873. — Night of April 5th hail-storm broke out all window lights in 
west side of buildings in Oswego. May 23d storm at Jacksonville blew 
down several buildings and killed seven persons. 

1877. — June 6th wind-storm at Chetopa blew down chimneys, tore off 
roofs, etc. June 18th, one of the hardest rains ever known, accompanied 
by wind and hail. August 18th, cyclone, water-spout, and hail-storm, 
from southwest to northeast, between Chetopa and Oswego. 

1878. — March 1st, cyclone between Labette and Parsons; J. M. Wil- 
son's large barn picked up, carried some distance, and demolished ; E. 
Wells's barn, in North township, blown to pieces; picked his house up 
and put it down some two rods away ; demolished R. Kimball's barn ; 
took his house from foundation and turned it around ; blew down stone 
building for E. H. Taylor. June 6th, tornado over Labette City, which 
demolished the school-house and did some other damage. 

1879. — May 30th, severe wind-and-rain storm at Chetopa ; signs blown 
down, etc. June 14th another hard wind-storm, from west to east, over 
southern portion of county, partly removed Kingston Presbyterian church 
from foundation, and blew in one or two buildings in Chetopa. July — 
wind blew down east span of Chetopa bridge, then in process of erection. 

1880. — April 2d,' severe hail-storm in Walton, and also in northern 
part of county generally. May 8th, small cyclone west of Chetopa dam- 
aged W. E. Liggett's kitchen and orchard. December 11th, severe rain- 
and-wind storm at Chetopa ; partly removed Catholic church from its 
foundation ; also other buildings. 

1881. — September 29th, a small tornado in Oswego scattered some of 
Sharp's lumber, blew down Tuttle's porch, etc. 

(100) 



STORMS. ^Q-^ 



1883.— May 13th, a cycloue from the Territory came iu west of Cecil, 
blew Cecil M. E. church to pieces, throwing the capstones to the win- 
dows through the air, but leaving Bible and hymn-book untouched on 
the box used for a pulpit ; blew M. U. Ramsburg's house to atoms, partly 
tore down other buildings, and uprooted trees. The storm occurred 
about 6 p. M., just after church was out. At the same time both houses 
at Fishkill were reported to have been torn down. 

1884.— July 2d, tornado blew Cecil church to atoms ; destroyed houses, 
barns, grain ; heavy hall. 

1885.— September 11th, hail-storm at Parsons and vicinity. 



MXJISriCIPAL TOWNSHIPS. 



While we were still a part of Neosho county we were recognized by 
its authorities as being of sufficient importance to be provided with at 
least apparent municipal privileges. The first official record which I 
have found, directly tending to give us these privileges, was made March 
6, 1865, by the Commissioners of Neosho county, at which time, in di- 
viding the county iu:o municipal townships, they formed Mission town- 
ship, and made it embrace all south of Canville township as far south as 
the county line, and established Osage Mission as the voting-place of the 
township. By this order of the Commissioners the southern part of 
Neosho county, and all of what is now Labette county, was embraced in 
one township, with Osage Mission as the headquarters thereof. The next 
official action affecting our municipal affairs was made by the Commis- 
sioners of Neosho county on July 2, 1866, the record of which is as fol- 
lows : 

"On motion, it was resolved that the south line of Mission township 
shall be designated as follows : By a line running due east and west 
across three miles due south of Osage Catholic Mission. 

"On motion, it was resolved that there be a township organized to be 
called Lincoln township, and to be bounded as by a line running due east 
and west from a point two miles north of the mouth of Hickory creek 
across the county, on the north by Mission township, on the east by the 
county line, and on the west by the county line. Place of voting. Trot- 
ter's ford, on the Neosho river, at Patterson's store. 

"On motion, it was resolved that there be a new township organized 
south of Lincoln township, to be called Grant township, bounded as fol- 
lows : On the north by Lincoln township, on the east by county line, and 
on the south by line running due east and west from Reaves's mill-site on 
the Neosho river, on the west by county line. Place of voting, Montana. 

"On motion, it was resolved that there be a new township organized 
south of Grant township, to be called Labette township ; said township 
to be bounded as follows ; On the north by the south line of Grant town- 
ship, on the east by county line, on the south by county line, on the west 
by county line. Place of voting, J. S. Steel's house." 

(102) 



MUNICIPAL TOWNSHIPS. 103 



This provision made a strip something over a mile in width of what is 
now Labette county a part of Lincoln township, and the remainder of 
Labette county was divided into Grant and Labette townships. 

Before the organization of Labette county the Governor appointed two 
justices of the peace: one, George Bennett, residing at Montana; and 
the other, C. H. Talbot, residing at Oswego. From the record in the 
office of the Secretary of State, it would seem that two orders were made 
for the appointment of Mr. Bennett — one on May 15, and the other on 
June 8, 1866. I do not know what was the cause of this. On July 3, 
1866, the Commissioners of Neosho county approved Mr. Bennett's bond 
as justice of the peace, which made him the first legally qualified civil 
officer residing in what is now Labette county. Mr. Talbot was appointed 
vSeptember 24, 1866. and probably qualified soon thereafter, although I 
have not the date of his qualification. 

Upon the appointment of the Commissioners for the organization of 
the county, before calling an election, they divided the county into nine 
precincts : four in range 21, the south one of which they named Chetopa : 
three in the central part of the county, designated North, Labette and 
Hackberry ; and two in the western part, which they designated Timber 
Hill (or possibly Big Hill, as Mr. Dickerman, then County Clerk, says), 
and Pumpkin Creek. However, this name is not given at all in any 
record we now have, but in the first reference to this part of the coimty 
in the Commissioners' proceedings, it is called Canada. Of the division 
thus made there was no change until November 21, 1867, excepting to 
more definitely organize Timber Hill and Canada townships. The only 
change subsequently made was to divide some of these townships and 
create new municipalities. 

NEOSHO TOWNSHIP. 

The settlement of this township commenced in the summer of 1865. I 
have found no one who knows the date of the first settlement, nor even 
who the first settler was. Much of the information from which this ac- 
count is made is derived from James W. Galyen, who settled on the south 
half of section 8, township 31, range 21, December 2.5, 1865. When he 
came there were already along the riv^r several families, all of whom had 
come that fall and winter ; so that it may be safely said that the settle- 
ment of the township did not commence prior to September of that year. 
It is probable that the first settlers in the township were a company who 
came from Texas, composed of a Jones family and a Cox family, each con- 
taining quite a number of individuals, and some others. They seemed to 
have been on their way north, without any very definite point of destina- 



104 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



tion in view, and were camping along the river in this township, allow- 
ing their stock to feed, when they heard of the proposed treaty with the 
Osages and concluded to locate there. Among those who were located 
when Mr. Galyeu came were : Jesse Frye, on section 9 ; a man by the 
name of John Buck, on the east side of the river; Newton Lowery, on 
section 5 ; and Mr. Spriggs, on section 16. Mr. Spriggs had a pole shanty 
on his claim at this time, but never brought his family here, and sold his 
claim to Asa Rogers. Craig Coffield and Clark Colfield located on section 
23, in November; Holland and Baldwin were located on section 4. At 
the close of 1865 it is probable that there were not to exceed a dozen fam- 
ilies in the township, and some of these were only there for the purpose 
of holding the claims until they could get something out of them and then 
leave. In 1866 many more settlers came in, and nuich was done toward 
improving the claims taken. Messrs. Brown and Sampson R. Robinson 
brought a saw-mill from Bourbon county and located it on section 4, in 
the fall of 1866, and soon had it in operation. This was the first mill in 
operation in the county, and from it Mr. Gaylen got the first lumber that 
was made, which he used to make a floor for his cabin. All the cabins 
up to this time had nothing but dirt floors. Of the settlers who came 
about this time I may mention William Logan, who came early in 1866. 
He ran a blacksmith-shop at Jacksonville; was the first trustee of the 
township, having been elected at the election in April, 1867, and was 
elected County Commissioner in the fall of 1867, and figured quite largely 
in the local affairs in that part of the county. Nathan Ames came in 
latter part of 1866, and settled on sections 16 and 17, and at once became 
one of the leading spirits in the new settlement. Messrs. Pringle and 
Marguad settled on section 21 the same fall. 

CELEBRATIONS. 

On July 4, 1866, the first celebration in that part of the county was 
held, in Kenney's grove on the northwest quarter of section 23. All the 
settlers in that part of the county gathered here to see each other and 
participate in the celebration. Dr. Thurman, who lived on section 23, 
read the Declaration of Independence. On July 4, 1867, another cele- 
bration was held, this time in Logan's grove, at which J. F. Bellamy, 
who had shortly before that time 'moved into the vicinity, gave the ad- 
dress. 

RELIGIOUS EXERCISES. 

A Mr. Owens was located on the northeast quarter of section 5, in 
1866. His wife was an enthusiastic worker, and that summer opened in 
their own house and conducted the first Sunday-school in the township, 



MUNICIPAL TOWNSHIPS. ^OS- 



which was coDtiuued until the winter. We have no account of any 
preaching in the township until 18.^7, when Joseph Rogers, who was a 
Methodist local preacher living on section 16, west of the river, com- 
menced holding services at private houses at ditferent points in the town- 
ship. After the school-house in district 16 was completed. Rev. Jackson 
Statton commenced preaching there, and continued for some time to hold 
services. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school in the township was taught by Mrs. Abigail Ames, wife 
of Samuel Ames, in their own house on the northwest quarter of section 
14, in the spring of 1868. That fall E. H. Taylor commenced teaching 
school in a house on section 5, and finished in the log school-house which 
the citizens turned out and constructed that fall. In this school-house, 
as soon as it was finished, a literary society was organized, of which Mr! 
Taylor was president, and at the meetings nearly all the people in that 
part of the county were present. 

IXDIAXS. 

West of the Neosho river on both sides of the county line, partly in 
section 5 in this county, partly in Neosho county, was situated one of 
White Hair's towns. This was abandoned about the time the white set- 
tlers commenced coming in here. About one hundred graves could be 
counted on this site, in some of which the frame of the occupant was still 
sitting and well preserved. The burying was done by piling stones over 
the lower extremities, leaving the body in a sitting posture, and then pil- 
ing up stones around it. When the settlers came here they found the 
remains of an old building on section 4, the posts still standing, giving 
evidence that at some prior time the Catholics from the Mission had 
probably had a station. The mile-posts between the Cherokee Neutral 
Lands and the Osage Reservation were still standing as they had been 
placed there by the surveyors when the lines had been run. 

INCIDENTS. 

T. D. G. Marquad and Mary Buck were married, it is said, in April, 
1866 ; if this is correct, it must have been the first marriage in the county 
after the war. 

In May, 1866, Mr. and xMrs. Hampton had born to them twins, named 
John and Mary. 

ORGAXIZATIOX. 

There has been no change in the boundary of the east tier of townships 
from the time of their organization. They were all laid off by the Com- 
missioners appointed for the organization of the county, prior to the first 



106 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

electiou. There is no record of their orgauization prior lo November 21, 
1867, wheu the whole coimty was laid off into townships, at which time 
it was declared, "Neosho township No. 1 shall include town 31, R. 21." 
Two voting precincts have been maintained in the township almost from 
its organization — one on the east and the other on the west side of the 
Neosho. There is no record showing who were elected officers in April, 
1867, but on October 23, 1867, the resignation of John W. Ankron as 
justice of the peace is accepted, and the record subsequentlj- shows J. B. 
Graham to be one of the justices of the peace. On January 14, 1868, 
*'It is hereby ordered, that the office of township trustee in Neosho 
township be declared vacant, as the present holder of said office has been 
elected to a county office." This evidently refers to William Logan, who 
had been elected and qualified as one of the County Commissioners, and 
it is safe to say he was the trustee elected in April, 1867. On the day on 
which the office was declared vacant as above, Anthony Amend was ap- 
pointed to fill the vacancy. For some reason which 1 do not know, no 
election was held in this township in April, 1868, and the following offi- 
cers were appointed by the Commissioners: Anthony Amend, trustee; 
N. H. Hopkins, clerk; S. K. Robinson, treasurer; J. B. Thurmau and 
William Fish, justices of the peace; John Summers and Noah Frye, con- 
stables ; John Radfield, road overseer. 

BRIDGES. 

The officers of this township were the first to take steps toward bridg- 
ing the streams. The action of the trustee created a good deal of dis- 
satisfaction. It was claimed that a "job was put up" by which a large 
amount of money was to be paid by the township and received by some 
one for inferior bridges. A tax ol \% mills was levied in 1868 for build- 
ing bridges. 

NORTH TOWNSHIP. 

In the spring of 1866 a firm of millers at lola sent some teams loaded 
with flour and meal down the Neosho, to sell to the settlers along the 
river. Two teams came into what is now Labette county, and on their 
return made such a favorable report of the county that several in that 
vicinity, and some connected with the mill, came down. Among these 
-were Messrs. Carr, McBride, Wells, Ballentine, and Smith ; the latter 
settled at the junction of the Big and Little Labette, and put up a small 
shanty. Mr. Ballentine paid Mr. Smith $60 for this claim, which took 
in most of the timber at this point. Just previous to this Zack Fultz had 
laid a foundation on a claim adjoining this on the east, and when the 
survey was made, the improvements of the two claims were found to be 



MUXICIPAL TOIVXSHIPS. 107 

on the same quarter. Mr. Fultz paid Mr. Ballentiue S200 for his im- 
provements, and got the claim. Mr. Ballentine then bought Mr. Hart's 
claim, on section 36, where he settled and made his home. Mr. Hart 
then moved over to the Labette, in Liberty township, just below the 
mouth of Bachelor creek. Fred Latham settled on section 27, and his 
father-in-law, Mr. Keys, upon a claim just west of the creek. About the 
same time William Tolen settled in the northern part of the township, 
and gave the name to a little stream, "Tolen Branch." In July. 1867, 
the following settlements were made : Albert Porter and W. H. Porter, 
on section 20; Wm. Fultz, on section 17; Abraham Cary. on section 18; 
John Kendall, on section 19. 

SAW Mii.r.. 

In the fall of 1868 Moses Steel and his brother Len Steel brought a 
saw mill and put it in the forks of the Little and Big Labette, and had it 
in operation early in 1869. 

In June, 1869, Abraham Cary brought from Lawrence the first reaper 
and mower that was had in this part of the county. 

ORGANIZATIOX. 

Originally North township included its present territory and also the 
east half of what is Walton township, and on November 21, 1807, in 
re-forming the townships, the Commissioners ordered that '"North town- 
ship No. 7 shall include town 31, R. 19, 20," and it continued with these 
bounds until Walton township was detached. There seems to have been 
no election held in this township in April, 1867, at the time when the 
first county and township officers were elected. On October 4th an order 
was made by the Commissioners for an election to be held for township 
officers in this township at the November election following. At this 
time the following officers were elected; Samuel Ballentine, trustee; 
William Scott and David B. Stevens, justices of the peace; James M. 
Clayton and D. W. Reed, constables; and John Steward, road super- 
visor. These were the first township officers. There is no record of 
either clerk or treasurer being elected at this time. On April 7, 1868, 
the following officers were elected: Samuel Ballentire, trustee; J. D. 
Keys, clerk; F. W. Latham, treasurer; William Porter and A. Medkiff, 
justices of the peace; William Fultz and Oscar Knowles, constables; 
and Z. Fultz, road overseer. In April, 1869, H. Siugelton was elected 
trustee, and Samuel Ballentine treasurer. By some arrangement made 
at the time, which does not appear of record, Mr. Ballentine, instead of 
taking the office of treasurer, was continued as trustee for another year. 



108 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



WALTON TOWNSHIP. 

The first settler in Waltou township was Jefferson Davis, who came in 
June, 18G6, and located on the southeast quarter of section 22. In Au- 
gust of that year the Weekly family, consisting of Luther, Perry, John, 
and Mary, located on section 17, and David Edwards on the northeast 
quarter of section 23. In the spring of 1867 Merrit Mason came, and 
bought the northeast quarter of section 17 from Mr. Weekly, and thereon 
made his home. In the fall of 1866 John Collins settled on the southeast 
quarter of section 36. Perhaps during these years there may have been 
a few other settlers along the Little Labette, but if so I have not learned 
the names of such. In 1869 the township received a large number of 
settlers. On May 1st Nelson Parker settled on the southwest quarter of 
section 27, and about the middle of May J. A. Jones settled on the north- 
east quarter of section 26 ; not far from the same time Alexander Abies 
and William Abies on the east half of section 29, George T. Waltou on 
section 16, J. M. Gregory on section 26. W. A. Disch, E. P. Emery, S. R. 
Hill, John Parker, C. C. Kinuison and R. P. Clark were all there before 
the opening of 1870 ; and on February 5, 1870, S. B. Shafer settled on 
the southwest quarter of section 21. 

CATHOLIC SETTLEMENT. 

During the summer of 1869 quite a large number of Catholics settled 
in the northern part of the township, and have ever since been among 
the most thrifty and progressive settlers of that vicinity. 

ORGANIZATION. 

Walton township was a part of North township as originally consti- 
tuted. An order of the Commissioners was made on April 6, 1870, on 
the petition of G. T. Walton, M. S. Mason, T. O'Conner, and some fifty 
other electors, for the organization of township 31, range 19, into a mu- 
nicipal township to be called AValton, and the following officers were 
appointed: Merrit S. Mason, trustee; A. C. Perkins, clerk; Timothy 
O'Conner, treasurer; Jason Luncinford, constable. On account of ill- 
health Mr. Mason was granted permission to appoint a deputy to assist in 
performing the duties of trustee. 

OSAGE TOWNSHIP. 

The settlement of what is now Osage township dates from-the fall of 
1866. The first person to locate within the present bounds of this town- 
ship was Thomas May and family, who settled upon the northwest quar- 
ter of section 5, township 32, range 18, in September, 1866, where he 



MUNICIPAL TOWNSHIPS. 



109 



died the following year. There being no himber in that locality, the 
neighbors sawed up a wagon-bed and made a coffin in which to bury him. 
The next settler was Milton A. Buckles, who came December 3, 1866, 
and settled on the northwest quarter of section 33. Isaac Vance located 
with his family on the southeast quarter of section 29, township 31, range 
18, on which he died, in 1870. Harvey Beggs settled on the southeast 
quarter of section 7, township 32, range 18, and after living on it several 
>ears moved away in 1871. Solomon Adams and family resided on the 
northwest quarter of section 6, township 32, range 18, till 1870, when he 
moved away. On the southeast (luarter of this same section Harvey 
Waymire made his home, and put up the first saw-mill in the township 
in May, 18()9. In the fall of 1869 the engine with which the saw-mill 
was run exploded, and killed Mr. Waymire and Mr. Worley. 

In 1867 many settlers came in, of whom I will mention a few. Felix 
Ollphant, John Oliphant, Frank Laberdy, John Frost, Thomas J. Vance, 
George Vance, W. H. Carpenter, J. H. Dienst, Jacob D. Dick, Henry 
Griffith and Alexander W. King are among those who that year helped 
to develop the county. Of those who came in 1868, F. M. Webb, W. H. 
Webb, J. H. Beatty, J. A. Newman, W. M. Rogers and Leroy F. Dick 
may be mentioned as active promoters of the general spirit of enterprise. 

William A. 8tarr, William Dick, J. L. Jaynes, John Carson, C. J. 
Darling, P. B. Darling, J. S. Masters, J. B. Swart, Jacob Warner, John 
Robinson, W. H. Thorne, G. W. Blake and W. W. Blake settled in 1869 
and 1870, and each added a fair share to the prosperity and development 
of the township. Did I know all the settlers and were 1 acquainted with 
all the facts, others might probably be mentioned who are as worthy as 
any whom I have named; but these are named as a fair sample of those 
who first settled and developed this northwest corner of the county. 

FIRST SCHOOL. 

Mrs. Elizabeth A. King, who with her husband, A. W. King, had set- 
tled on the southwest quarter of sectioa 28, township 31, range 18, in 
June, 1867, taught the first school in the township, in the summer of 
1868, as 1 am told by Mr. King, in their cabin on his claim. It was a 
free school for the few children then in the neighborhood. 

CELEBRATION. 

The first celebration in the township was July 4, 1869, on the north- 
west quarter of section 29. Milton Buckles read the Declaraticm of Inde- 
pendence. The day was principally given up to a picnic and social 
enjoyment. 



110 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



RELIGIOUS EXERCISES. 

In the fall of 1867 the citizens met and put up a log house ou Pleasant 
May's claim in the bottom on the west side of the creek, on section 5, in 
township 33, to be used for religious and other gatherings. In this the 
first Sunday school was organized, in the spring of 1868, with Pleasant 
May as superintendent. A. W. King was the first preacher in the town- 
ship. He, with David Stanfield, J. S. Harryman, and Sheldon Parker, 
of the Methodist church, and J. L. Masters, of the Christian church, dis- 
pensed the gospel for several years over quite a portion of the new settle- 
ments in the western part of the county. 

BUSINESS. 

The first store in the township was started in 1868, ou the southeast 
quarter of section 33, township 31, range 18, by Luther Weakly and 
Frank Laberdy. In the fall of 1869, G. W. and W. W. Blake put in a 
stock of general merchandise in a building erected on the town-site of 
Timber Hill, which they continued to deal in till 1871. 

Dr. Lakius was the first in the township to offer his services as an aid 
to those desiring relief from physical ailments. He died a number of 
years ago, but his faithful mule, "Joab,'" it is said, still survives him. In 
1869 Dr. Boutillier opened a small drug store, which he ran in connection 
with his practice. 

The following letter may be appropriately inserted here : 

"CoFFEYViLLE, KANSAS, Jan. 18, 1892. 

'■''Judge Nelson Case, Oswego, Kansas — Dear Sir: I settled in Osage 
township, Labette county, in the autumn of 1866, in company with Harry 
Weymire and Isaac Vaucil. There was but one man before us, a Mr. 
May, who had built his cabin just before our arrival. Others followed 
fast, and when the spring of 1867 had opened we had quite a settlement 
ou the Big Hill creek. In July, 1867, I was appointed a committee to 
visit the Commissioners at Oswego and procure an order for the organi- 
zation of a municipal township, which was effected at once. I remember 
well that when I found the Commissioners' court, which I had some 
trouble in doing, the Commissioners were sitting astraddle of the sleepers 
in a hewed log house in Oswego. There was neither door, floor, nor 
windows, the house not being finished at the time. 

*'The first child born in the township was Rolla Wood, son of Zacha- 
riah and Matilda Wood. 

"Our nearest postoffice was Rogers's store, where Chauute now is. 
We did our milling at Humboldt, and hauled lumber from the Neosho. 
I believe I am the only survivor of the first settler of Osage township. 
Yery respectfully yours, Milton A. Buckles." 



MUNICIPAL TOWNSHIPS. \\l 



ORGANIZATION. 

I am not quite sure whether the first name by which this territory was 
known was Timber Hill or Big Hill township. The Commissioners ap- 
pointed to organize the county laid off the west part into two precincts, 
which Mr. Dickerman says were designated Timber Hill and Pumpkin 
Creek ; but no voting-place was designated in either of them at that time, 
probably for the reason that there was not a sufficient number of resi- 
dents to justify the holding an election therein. The first official record 
we have relating to this township is the order of the Conmiissioners made 
June 5, 1867, declaring that "Timber Hill township shall include town- 
ships 31 & 32, range 18, and the west half of townships 31 & 32 of 
range 19, and as far west as the county line." In this order, as It ap- 
pears in the original record, written on foolscap paper, the name of the 
township is first written Big Hill, and aline is drawn through "Big,'* 
and "Timber" is written above it. On July 1, 1867, it was "Ordered, 
that a precinct be established at Timber Hill at the residence of Mr. 
Frank Larberdy, in Timber Hill township, T. 31 & 32, R. 18 & 19." 
On October 21, 1867, it was "Ordered that Timber Hill township to be 
changed to Big Hill," and at the same time it was ordered that the vot- 
ing precinct be changed from Mr. Larberdy's to Mr. Eli Sparks's. The 
first election in the township was held November 5, 1867, at which the 
following officers were elected: J. S. Blair, trustee; Isaac Van Sickle 
and Eli Sparks, justices of the peace; H. Waymire and J. Courtney, 
constables; Z. C. Wood, road overseer. On November 21, 1867, the 
Commissioners made an order more definitely fixing and somewhat 
changing municipal townships, by the provisions of which it was de- 
clared that "Big Hill township No. 8 shall include town 31 & 32, R. 17 
& 18." On April 6, 1868, a petition therefor having been made to the 
Commissioners, they ordered "That the township commonly known as 
Big Hill shall hereafter be known in all official transactions as Osage 
township," and at the same time made an order establishing the south 
line of Osage township so as to include the north half of township 32, 
in ranges 17 and 18. 

AN ORDER NOT ACTED ON. 

On November 12, 1870, on the petition of Albert Allison and forty-nine 
other citizens for a division of the west tier of townships into four instead 
of three, forming a new township out of parts of Osage and Mound Val- 
ley townships, it was ordered that township 32, ranges 17 and IS, be de- 
tached from Osage and Mound Valley townships and organized into a 
municipal township under the name of Big Hill township, for which the 
following officers were appointed: William Johns, trustee; Albert Alll- 



112 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

son, clerk; S. C. Hockett, treasurer. I find no action of the Commis- 
sioners changing or revoking this order; nevertheless, the order was 
never acted upon, the officers appointed never qualified, and Osage and 
Mound Valley townships remained as though no such order had ever 
been made. 

STOCK. 

On May 30, 1871, on the petition of William Dick and sixty-nine others, 
the Commissioners made an order restraining stock from running at large 
at night-time for a term of one year. 

PIONEER ASSOCIATION. 

On September 17, 1875, the Osage Pioneer Association was organized, 
with S. C. Hockett as president, Joel Bergess vice-president, W. A. 
Starr and Lindsey secretaries, and William Dick treasurer. 

MOUND VALLEY TOWNSHIP. 

1866. 

There were two early settlers in this county who would be in Mound 
Valley township except for the fact that in 1870 more than two miles of 
our territory was given to Montgomery county. On June 3, 1866, Mr. 
Rutherford settled on the northeast quarter of section 4, in township 33 
of range 17, and on December 10, 1866, R. M. Bennett, afterwards 
County Treasurer, settled on the southeast quarter of section 5, in the 
same township. 

The first white people to make settlement in Mound Valley township 
as now constituted were the families of Mr. McCormick and Mr. Court- 
ney. If anyone was there before them, he left no trace of his habita- 
tion. Joseph ISIcCormick, with his wife Martha and his son Joseph C, 
and in company with them John M. Courtney and liis wife Mary, came 
from Danville, 111., and on July 24, 1866, took their respective claims in 
this township. Mr. McCormick settled on parts of sections 23 and 24, 
township 32, range 17, where he made his home until his death, on De- 
cember 10, 1871, his wife having died the March preceding. Mr. Mc- 
Cormick lived in his wagon until he could build a log house, which he 
completed in about two months. He soon brought on a few goods, with 
which he traded with the Indians for their buffalo meat and such other 
things as they had to dispose of that he could use. Mr. Courtney settled 
on a part of section 26, township 32, range 17, which he improved and 
on which he lived till he moved to Cherryvale, where he now resides. 
John McMichael came in September, 1866, and settled on the same sec- 
tion as Mr. Courtney. In November, 1866, Eli Sparks settled on the 
southeast quarter of section 18, township 32, range 18. 



MUNICIPAL TO WX SHIPS. 



1867. 
Green L. Canada settled on the northeast quarter of section 17, town- 
ship 33, range IS, January 12, 1867. William Jones and John M. Stigen- 
walt came February 20, 1867. Mr. Jones settled on the section with Mr. 
Courtney and Mr. McMichael, and Mr. Stigenwalt settled on the section 
with Mr. Sparks, where he lived on a well-improved farm until August 
25, 1892, when he died from the effects of a kick by a horse, received 
the day before. John W. Claspell came in September, 1867. Samuel C. 
Hockett near that time settled on section 18, together with Mr. Sparks 
and Mr. Stigenwalt, while his daughter, Josie Hockett, took a claim north 
of him, on section 7, in Osage township. 

1868. 
J. G. Penix settled on the northwest quarter of section 25, township 
32, range 17, on April 8, 1868, where he lived for fifteen years, made a 
good farm, and is now in Cherryvale, enjoying the fruits of his industry. 
D. S. Muncie took the southwest quarter of section 25, towuship 33, 
range 18, on which he built, in 1869, a one and one-half story frame 
house, 16x24 feet. The lumber for this he hauled from Chetopa. This 
was the first frame house in this part of the township. In 1870 Mr. 
Muncie sold this farm to J. H. Tibbits. 

ORGANIZATION. 

Mound Valley township was originally a part of what afterward be- 
came Osage and Canada townships. It was not until June 13, 1870, that, 
upon the petition of Henry Rohr and some fifty other residents of its 
territory, the Commissioners made an order for the organization of four 
tiers of sections lying north and the same number lying south of the line 
between townships 32 and 33 in ranges 17 and 18, into a municipal town- 
ship with the name of Mound Valley. The following officers were ap- 
pointed for the new towuship : Josephus Moore, trustee ; Alexander 
Honrath, clerk ; J. M. Richardson, treasurer. At the same time, on the 
petition therefor, the order of the Commissioners was made restraining 
stock from running at large in the night-time for the term of five years. 
On July 28, 1870, Jonas Parks was appointed constable, and S. C. 
Hockett was recommended for the appointment of justice of the peace. 

LABETTE TOWNSHIP. 

The first settlement of this township as now constituted commenced in 

the fall of 1868, but there were only a few who came before the spring 

of 1869. The first settlers were scattered along Bachelor creek. Of 

these 1 may mention Leveret Wood, who came in the fall of 1S68, and 

—8 



114 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



settled on the northeast quarter of section 1; the next spring John 
Singleton settled on the northwest quarter of section 1, and James H. 
Martin on the northeast quarter of section 2; Millard Sargent on the 
northwest quarter and his brother on the southwest quarter of the same 
section ; Edward C. Sanford on the northwest quarter of section 3, Major 
Hope on the southeast quarter, and Calvin S. Tracy on the southwest 
quarter, of section 36. All of these parties were located prior to the 
middle of July, 1869, at which time John J. Miles settled on the south- 
west quarter of section 34. 

With the opening of 1870 many new parties came into the township, 
of whom I may mention Thomas Mahar and his sons, who settled on 
section 21. The settlement of this township was nearly completed when 
James Beggs, on March 16, 1871, settled on the southwest quarter of 
section 19. 

ORGANIZATION. 

In the original division of the county into municipal townships, made 
by the Commissioners prior to the first election in the spring of 1867, the 
central portion of the county, embracing what is now Liberty, Labette, 
Mount Pleasant and Fairview townships, was made to constitute the 
township of Labette. The first official record we have of the formation 
of this township is an order of the board made November 21, 1867, in 
which Labette township is numbered 6, and is declared to include town- 
ships 32 and 33, in ranges 19 and 20. It is possible that there was an 
election held in the township in the spring of 1867, and probably one 
was held in the fall of that year, but as to both of these the record is 
silent. The first election of which we have any record was held on April 
7, 1868. At this election H. P. Reeding was elected trustee, M. H. Lo- 
gan clerk, J. F. Molesworth treasurer, E. Reed and J. P. Peterson justices 
of the peace, G. W. Springer and T. M. Abbott constables, and Sam 
Lewis road overseer. At the election in April, 1870, the following offi- 
cers were elected : Newton Connor, trustee ; J. L. Williams, clerk ; Cal- 
vin Tracy, treasurer; G. P. Peters and G. J. Connor, justices of the 
peace; William Hanson and W. F. Hamman, constables. Within the 
next two months all of the territory, excepting township 32, range 19, 
which had theretofore been embraced in Labette township, was detached 
therefrom, and formed into other municipal townships. All the officers 
last elected resided within the territory thus detached, which left Labette 
township without any officers or organization. The last of June or fore 
part of July, 1870, a meeting of the citizens was held on the premises of 
John Alspaw, on the southwest quarter of section 15, and the following 
persons selected for township officers : Calvin Tracy, trustee ; John Cald- 



MUNICIPAL TOWNSHIPS. 115 

well, clerk; William Collius, treasurer; William Hammau and Silas 
Rich, justices of the peace; John J. Miles and George Tracy, constables. 
It was decided to ask that the name of the township be changed from 
Labette to Mound. On July 11, 1870, the action of this meeting was 
presented to the Commissioners. The request for a change of name for 
the township was refused, as the board considered they had no authority 
to change the name of the township. The officers selected at the citi- 
zens' meeting were appointed in part, and some of the offices seem to 
have been left vacant. 

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 

The settlement of this township commenced early in the spring of 

1866. The first person whom I have been able to trace to this township 
is David C. Lowe, who settled on the southeast quarter of section 34, and 
about the same time James Springer on the northeast quarter of the same 
section, and William Springer jr. on the southeast quarter of section 27. 
After these the following settlements were made : James Shelledy, John 

Y. and James Lewis, Latham, Enos Reed, James F. Molesworth, 

William Keiger, and Ed. Mercer. In June, A. W. Richardson bought 
from Wm. Springer jr. the claim on which he had settled, paying there- 
for S400. Mr. Springer had at the time some four or five acres broken 
out and planted to corn and garden truck. Rev. G. W. Richardson at 
the same time bought from Mr. Shelledy his claim to the northwest 
quarter of section 27, paying therefor 850. In December of this year 
G. P. Peters settled on the southwest quarter of section 36, and John 
Elliott on the southeast quarter of the same section. In the fall of 1867 
Dr. W. J. Conner made his settlement in this township, and commenced 
the practice of his profession. 

CELEBRATION. 

On July 4, 1867, the first celebration in the township was held, on the 
claim of David C. Lowe. Wagon-boxes were turned upside down for 
tables; Samuel Cherry read the Declaration of Independence, and Elihu 
Greene delivered the oration. The drinking water was cooled with ice 
which G. P. Peters procured at Oswego. 

BUSINESS. 

The first business in the township was a store conducted by William 
and John Conner. It was located on section 35, which had been selected 
for the site of Neola, and was opened in the spring of 1868. Early in 

1867, G. P. Peters commenced running a blacksmith shop at his home, 
and in the spring of 1868 built a shop at Neola, on section 35. There 



116 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

was no other busiDess aside from farming until Labette was started, In 
1870. 

ORGANIZATION. 

Township 32, range 20, originally formed a part of Labette township, 
and was detached therefrom and organized into a municipal township on 
May 20, 1870, on the petition of Enos Reed and fifty-one other citizens. 
The following officers were appointed: Samuel Lewis, treasurer; Wil- 
liam R. Williams, clerk; R. W. Campbell, constable; Samuel T. Cherry 
was recommended for appointment as justice of the peace. 

CARE OF STOCK. 

The Commissioners made an order on July 27th, on the petition of T. 
D. Bickham and sixty-eight other residents of the township, restraining 
stock from running at large in the night-time for five years, excepting 
during the months of January and February. 

RELIGIOUS EXERCISES. 

In 1868 the Methodists commenced holding services at the house of 
James F. Molesworth, on section 8 ; the ministers in charge of the Os- 
wego circuit preached here. 

MONTANA TOWNSHIP. 

There seems to be no dispute about Samuel J. Short being the first 
white settler in this township. It is said that he had located here before 
the war, and was driven off by the rebel Indians, and I am disposed to 
think that this is correct; but I shall only refer to his settlement in the 
summer of 1865. He came, probably the latter part of July, or early in 
August, and located on the southeast quarter of section 22, on the east 
side of the Neosho. During that fall a number of parties made settle- 
ment in the township, and of these I have learned the following names : 
Granville Reeves and William White came there the fore part of October, 
and located on section 34. On October 18th, Charles E. Simons and 
his brother Benjamin F. Simons arrived, and located, the former on the 
southwest quarter of section 4 and the latter on the northwest quarter of 
section 9. Charles Simons at once went back and brought his family, 
arriving with them on his claim November 18th. John and William 
Olford and Andrew Hammond also arrived in October. In November 
Nathan D. Tower settled on the southwest corner of section 27, but the 
next summer moved to the southeast quarter of section 30. Samuel 
Dunham located on section 29 ; Nelson Shipley on section 28 ; Charles 
Stewart on section 27 ; Samuel Coffield on section 27 ; Samuel and Jona- 
than Wilcox on section 16, the former on the east and the latter on the 



MUNICIPAL TOWNSHIPS. 117 

west side of the river ; John Modisett on section 4. In December John 
Halford settled on the southwest quarter of section 16, and Mr. Lee on 
section 33. On December 24th Julius S. Waters arrived, and camped on 
Mr. Simons's claim, but soon thereafter located on section 33, in Xeosho 
township ; subsequently, however, he came back, and was for a long 
time a resident of Montana township. It will thus be seen that at the 
close of 1865 the township had quite a body of settlers, most of whom 
became pennanent residents, and several of whom are still residing 
there. 

Of those who came in 1866 I shall only attempt to mention a few. 
Dr. D. D. McGrath settled on the southwest quarter of section 4; Nehe- 
miah Sage on the northwest quarter of section 8 ; Uriah Davis on the 
southwest quarter of section 7 ; Frank and Albert Brockus on the north- 
east quarter of section 20 ; R. S. Cornish on the southwest quarter of 
section 21; Robert Haggard on section 30; Bergen Van Xess on the 
northeast quarter of section 16 ; Alfred W. Jones on the northeast quar- 
ter of section 17. In December, John S. Anderson located on the south- 
west quarter of section 8 ; Vincent Anderson on the southeast quarter of 
section 6 ; and Terry Anderson on the northeast quarter of section 7. 

SAW-MILL. 

About the first of February, 1867, the Anderson brothers brought a 
saw-mill and located it upon C. E. Simons's claim, on section 4, and by 
the middle of the month had it in operation. From the lumber sawed 
here it is claimed the first frame house in the county was built. 

SORGHUM MILL. 

At quite an early day R. S. Cornish put up a sorghum mill on his 
place, and for a number of years has carried on quite an extensive busi- 
ness in making sorghum for himself and his neighbors. He also raises 
a great many melons. 

OEGAlSriZATIOX. 

Montana township was laid off as it now exists at the time of dividing 
the county into precincts prior to its first election. There is no record of 
the formation of this township prior to November 21, 1867, when in the 
division of the county into townships it was ordered, that "Montana 
township No. 2 shall include town 32, range 21.*' George Bennett, who 
resided in Montana township, was appointed justice of the peace June 8, 
1866, by the Governor, and was the first civil officer in the county. I 
can find no record in any way referring to its officers for 1867, but it is 
probable A. W. Jones was its first trustee. At the election held April 
o, 1868, C. B. Woodford was elected trustee ; T. M. Brockus, clerk ; D. 



lis HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

Shultz, treasurer; Henry M. Minor and James Livesay, justices of the 
peace; John Livesay and Jonathan "Wilcox, constables; and A. Warlow, 
road overseer. 

OSWEGO TOWNSHIP. 

1865. 

The first settlers in Oswego township were Austin T. Dickerman and 
Samuel W. Collins, who located on section 31, Mr. Dickerman on the 
northwest quarter, and Mr. Collins on the southwest quarter, on July 15, 
1S65. In August, Jabez Zink settled on the northwest quarter of section 
30, and in September Norris Harrer on section 19. The next settlement 
in the township was on what is now the town-site of Oswego, and is 
spoken of in connection with the history of Oswego city. 

In November, 1865, D. M. Clover and C. C. Clover rode ponies from 
Kansas City, crossing the Neosho at Trotter's ford, and arriving at Little 
Town about the middle of the month. There they found Clinton Rex- 
ford and N. P. Elsbree encamped, but no start yet made toward the erec- 
tion of any building. They looked over the country for a few days, and 
on November 20, 1866, took four claims — one for each of them, and one 
each for D. W. Clover and John Clover. D. M. Clover's claim was lo- 
cated on the southeast quarter of section 10 ; C. C. Clover the northeast 
quarter of section 15. In taking his claim C. C. Clover had in view the 
establishment of a mill, and selected this place as affording the best 
water power he was able to find along the river. About the first of De- 
cember they started back for their families, provisions, and material. 
D. M. Clover went only as far as Fort Scott, where he bought oxen and 
wagons, with which he returned to their claims and commenced getting 
out logs for houses. C. C. Clover went back to Iowa, where he pur- 
chased material for a saw-mill and laid in a supply of groceries and pro- 
visions. 

In November or December, 1865, about the time the Clovers located, 
W. C. Watkins settled on section 4, and two of the Kingsbury boys lo- 
cated in the southwest part of the township. 

1866. 
In January, 1866, C. C. Clover and his brother John R. Clover, together 
with H. A. Victor and one or two others, started from Iowa for this 
county, having three wagons with two horses each. They left Oska- 
loosa, Iowa, about the middle of January, and got to Oswego about the 
10th of February. They found snow all the way down to Kansas City, 
but from there down to Oswego had pleasant weather and good roads. 
D. M. Clover had already commenced the construction of houses on each 



MUNICIPAL TOWNSHIPS. 119 

of the claims. That season Mr. Clover commeDced the coustruction of 
a clam across the Neosho at a point some distance above the present dam, 
and about where the river makes the bend to the east. He did not suc- 
ceed in getting his mill in operation until the fore part of 1868. 

In the spring of 1866 John Clover went back to Iowa, and in July of 
that year again arrived in Oswego, having with him his father and 

mother, D. W. Clover and wife, James Stice, Wiley Jackson, Mason, 

John Burgess, and David Stanfleld. They located in the southeastern part 
of the township, some of them on the river and some on the prairie. On 
August 6th Cloyd G. Braught settled on the southwest quarter of section 
34, and in September Simeon Holbrook on section 3 and Kandal Bagby 
on section 5, and in October Lewis W. Crain on section 4. On Novem- 
ber 9th William Herbaugh and Moses B. Jacobs arrived ; the former 
located north and the latter south of the town-site. 

1867. 

About November 1, 1867, C. Montague settled on the southwest quar- 
ter of section 5, and on November 11th F. Swan wick bought the claim of 
W. C. Watkins and located on section 4. 

CELEBRATION. 

On July 4, 1866, the settlers of this part of the county assembled at 
Oswego and held their first celebration. 

MILL. 

Capt. Clover had some of the machinery here for his mill in the spring 
of 1866, but it took so loug to build the dam across the Neosho that he 
did not get it running till 1868. The first mill to be put in operation in 
the township was brought here November 9, 1866, by M. B. Jacobs, but 
he did not get it started till the spring of 1867. It was located on his 
claim, just south of town. It was thought better to haul the logs from 
the woods to the mill on the prairie and thus have the lumber where it 
could be procured easily, than to locate the mill in the woods and thus 
cause the lumber to be hauled out over the muddy bottoms. 

OKGANIZATION. 

This township from the first has had the same territory as is now in- 
cluded within its limits. It was organized at the time of the division of 
the county into precincts for the first election. The first official record 
of its organization now to be found is the order of the Commissioners 
made November 21, 1867, dividing the county into townships, in which 
they ordered that "Oswego township. No. 3, shall include town 33, R. 21." 
The first officer in this township was C. H. Talbott, who was appointed 
justice of the peace by the Governor in the fall of 1866. He seems to 
have appointed Andy Kaho constable, to serve whatever process was is- 



120 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

sued by him. These were probably the only civil officers of the town- 
ship prior to its organization. I have not been able to learn the names 
of all the officers who were elected in April, 1S67. D. W. Clover was 
one of the justices of the peace elected at that time, and probably J. F. 
Newlon was the other ; Andy Kaho was elected constable. On April 5, 
1868, the following officers were elected: R. W, Wright, trustee; S. 
Reardon, clerk; Norris Harrer, treasurer; R. J. Elliott and J. F. New- 
lon, justices of the peace; A. Kaho and F. D. Howe, constables; 
Ephraim Shanks, road overseer. 

FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP. 

As far as I have been able to learn, but two parties had settled in this 
township prior to 1866. Francis Wall settled on the southwest quarter 
of section 10, and Mr. Allen on the northwest quarter of section 13, in 
the fall of 1865. 

During the year 1866 a number of parties, came into the township. 
Early in the spring William Springer settled on the southwest quarter of 
section 2, M. V. B. Coffin on the northwest quarter of section 3, and 
William Cline on the northwest quarter of section 4. James Logan came 
in March, and located on the northwest quarter of section 11, and James 
M. Logan on the southeast quarter of the same section. In May, Charles 
Wadsack settled on the northwest quarter of section 12, and Frederick 
and Ernest Wadsack in the same vicinity. In June, John Richardson 
bought Mr. Springer's claim for S200, to which he moved from the claim 
taken in Liberty township, and where he has since made his home. 

Among those who made settlement during 1867 were W. S. Park. James 
Dike, S. H. Spurr, and Charles Kelso. Mr. Spurr bought J. M. Logan's 
claim, and the latter settled on the northeast quarter of section 16. 

INDUSTRIES. 

M. V. B. Coffin was the first blacksmith in the township ; he opened a 
shop at his home soon after settling there in the spring of 1866. He had 
been a soldier with Kit Carson, was a good workman, and had a good run 
of business. He died in January, 1867; Mr. Peters bought his tools. 
In 1867 J. M. Logan constructed a wooden mill for grinding cane, of 
which he and his neighbors raised quite large patches. He made a large 
amount of sorghum molasses. 

ORGAXIZATIOX. 

In the original division of the county, what is known as Fair view 
township formed a part of Labette. On the application of A. S. Spaul- 
ding. Frank Williams, J. R. Sweet and some fifty other electors, the Com- 
missioners, on April 26, 1870, made an order organizing township 33, 



MUNICIPAL TOWNSHIPS. 121 

rauge 20, iuto a muuicipal township with the name of Fairview, and 
fixing the voting-place of the township at the office of Dr. A. S. Spaul- 
ding, on section 21. The following officers were appointed to serve until 
April, 1871: I.W. Patrick, trustee: W. W. Babbitt, clerk; A. S. Spaul- 
ding, treasurer ; W. H. Umbarger and John Robinson, constables. A. S. 
Potter and James Paxton were recommended for appointment as justices 
of the peace. 

STOCK. 

On May 20, 1870, the Commissioners, on a petition therefor, made an 
order that stock be not allowed to run at large in the night-time for the 
term of three years. 

MOUNT PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 

W. F. Hamman was the first settler in this tow^nship. He erected his 
house upon the northwest quarter of section 2, in April, 1869. Soon 
thereafter Mr. Moray located upon the northeast quarter of section 11. 
In July, E. A. Wait and his brother A. H. Wait settled on section 12. 
and Henry C. McClelland on the southwest quarter of section 14. A 
little later in the season the northwest part of the township was settled. 
Benjamin H. Greer, George Greer, James Armstrong and Lewis C. Hill 
were the first settlers in this part of the township. 

RELIGIOUS EXERCISES. 

In the fall of 1869 A. W. King, of Osage township, commenced preach- 
ing at the houses of Benjamin Greer and Lewis Hill. Service* were kept 
up at private houses with more or less regularity until the Pioneer school- 
house was built, when they were held there. They were principally con- 
ducted by Methodist preachers in charge of the Timber Hill circuit. 

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. 

While Mr. Moray and his wife were camped upon their claim above 
referred to, before they had their house erected, the first child in the 
township was born to them. On October 1, 1869, W. F. Hamman lost 
his son Henry, which was the first death in the township. The first 
marriage in the township was that of George R. Greer and Mary A. Hill. 

ORGANIZATION. 

Mount Pleasant township was originally a part of Labette township. 
On ^lay 20, 1870, G. W. Moray and sixty other electors petitioned for 
the organization of township 33, range 19, into a municipal township, 
which petition the board granted, and named the township Mount Pleas- 
ant. Thereupon the board appointed the following officers: H. C. 
McClelland, trustee; Walter Downing, clerk; Henry Story, treasurer; 
Florence Hamman and C. E. Woodin, constables. Ezra A. Wait and 



122 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



John Hambliu were recommeuded for justices of the peace, and they 
were afterward appointed. 

CAKE OF STOCK. 

Ou June 23, 1870, on a petition of its citizens the board made an order 
restraining the running at large of stock in the night-time for a period of 
Ave years. 

CANADA TOWNSHIP. 

On January 23, 1867, Alexander and Milton Duncan located on section 
7, township 34, range 18, and were the first settlers in what is now Can- 
ada township. A little later in the season Jonathan Hill settled on sec- 
tion 38, Gresham Gokey on section 29, and sometime during the year 
John Nellis, J. Roberts, George Mays and Lewis Scott settled in the 
township. John McNeal came in October, 1868. I do not find the 
names of other settlers prior to those who came in the spring of 1869. 
During this year quite a large immigration came into the township, 
among whom may be mentioned H. Hedemann, D. M. Pitt, J. F. Wal- 
ford, H. A. Linn, Wm. Walters, David Koss, Howard Phenis and sons, 
John Phillips, Mrs. Mary Price, Ola Olson. 

Mr. Phenis and his sons had a shingle-mill, in 1869, on section 32, 
from which they supplied the settlers in that neighborhood with shingles 
for their cabins. 

The first child born in the township was Milton Duncan, son of Alex- 
ander Duncan, on February 12, 1868. The first death was that of an old 
man named Munk. 

ORGANIZATION. 

In the absence of any record I take the statement of Mr. Dickerman, 
who was then County Clerk, that, of the nine precincts into which the 
county was divided, in March, 1867, by the Commissioners appointed for 
its organization, the southwest part was called Pumpkin Creek. No elec- 
tion was held therein at the first election for county officers. When the 
Commissioners met and organized, ou June 5, 1867, they made an order 
for the organization of the tw^o west precincts, in which it was provided 
that "Canada township shall include 33 & 34, range 18, and the west half 
of town 33 & 34, range 19, and as far west as the county line." This is 
the first official record we have relating to this township, or giving it a 
name. It was not until October 21, 1867, that a voting-precinct was des- 
ignated for the township; at that time it was fixed at J. M. Duncans. 
On November 21, 1867, the Commissioners made a new order dividing 
the county into townships, in which it was ordered that "Canada town- 
ship. No. 9, shall include town 33 & 34, R. 17 & 18." On April 6, 1868, 
the north half of township 33, in ranges 17 and 18, was attached to Osage 
township. The first election in the township was held November 5, 1867, 



MUNICIPAL TOWNSHIPS. 125 

at which J. R. Shippey was elected trustee, J. M. Duncan and G. W. 
Mays, justices of the peace ; John Nellis and John Scoville, constables. 
The record does not show who the opposing candidates were ; but the 
vote was a tie on justices between Mr. Mays and some one else, and Mr. 
Mays was successful in the casting of lots for the office. By an order 
made April 14, 1869, township 35, ranges 17 and 18, was attached to this 
township. 

PROTECTING CROPS. 

On May 27, 1871, on the petition of E. B. Baldwin and forty-two others, 
the Commissioners made an order restraining stock from running at large 
in the night-time for a term of two years. 

HOWARD TOWNSHIP. 

The first settler in what is now Howard township was John Kennedy, 
who located on the southwest quarter of section 12, township 35, range 
17, in 1867. 

The settlement of this township fairly commenced in 1869, and among 
those who located here that year are the following : W. H. Godwin, on 
the northeast quarter of section 3 ; Clinton Hawley, on section 2 ; Jesse 
McClintock, on the northeast quarter of section 11; E. R. Lee, on the 
southeast quarter of section 33 ; Lee Leverage, on the southwest quarter 
of section 33; W. S. Getzendaner, on section 13, range 17 ; H. H. Long, 
on the northeast quarter of section 5. 

In March, 1870, E. B. Baldwin located upon the northeast quarter of 
section 2, and during the same season settlements were made by William 
Blackford on the southwest quarter of section 4, Scott on the south- 
east quarter of section 24, B. W. Harwood on the northwest quarter of 
section 10, George McKee on the southeast quarter of section 10, David 
McKee on the southwest quarter of section 14, J. M. Hart, on the north- 
east quarter of section 11, Dana H. Fuller and Aldin Fuller on section 4, 
Banks Hall and John W. Hall on section 13, D. Smallwood on section 1,^ 
Frank Pfiester on section 7. 

On March 5, 1871, W. J. Millikin took the southeast quarter of section 
22, and sometime during the season, some early in the spring and some 
not till fall, settlements were made by P. B. Clark on the northwest quar- 
ter of section 24, Samuel Smith on the northwest quarter of section 12, 
James Bennett on the northeast quarter of section 20, Walter Bennett 
on the northwest quarter of section 29, William Reasor on the southeast 
quarter, John Reasor on the northwest quarter, and George H. Goodwin 
on the northeast quarter of section 27. James Steel took the southwest 
quarter, William Steel the northwest quarter. Boon Thompson the south- 
east quarter, and J. K. Russell the northeast quarter of section 23 ; John 



124 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY 



Yance the southwest quarter and Christian Lieb the northeast quarter of 
section 24; Lincoln Clark, and William and John High section 1. W. 
M. Mabrey located on the southwest quarter of section 11, in range 17. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The territory of which I am now speaking was a part of Canada town- 
ship until after the spring election of 1872. At that election the oppos- 
ing candidates for justice of the peace were J. M. Hart and H. H. Long, 
both residing in what is now Howard township. The vote between them 
being a tie, lots were cast resulting in the choice of JNIr. Hart, who thereby 
became the first officer of the new township. On April 5, 1872, E. B. 
Baldwin presented the petition of himself and eighty-one other electors 
asking the Commissioners for the formation of a new township, embrac- 
ing all the territory in ranges 17 and 18 lying south of the line running 
east and west through the middle of township 34, leaving three tiers of 
sections in township 34 in the old township, and putting three tiers of 
sections in township 34 and all of fractional township 35 in the new 
township. This petition was granted, and the order of the Commis- 
sioners made creating said territory into a municipal township, which 
they named Howard in honor of the County Clerk. Thereupon the fol- 
lowing officers were appointed for the township thus organized : E. B. 
Baldwin, trustee; William J. Millikiu, clerk; Joseph Buckley, treas- 
urer; J. J. Breeding, constable. Mr. Buckley failed to qualify, and the 
Commissioners soon thereafter appointed William Blackford treasurer in 
his place. 

BUSINESS. 

There have been several places in the township at different times 
where small stores have been conducted. Capt. J. W. Hall started a 
store on his premises in the summer of 1870, which he conducted only a 
short time. W. H. Godwin and F. W. Noblett kept a small stock of 
groceries at the Dora post-office. The town of Willeyville, afterward 
called Deerton, while it existed was in this township, and the business 
houses in operation there have been spoken of in connection with that 
name. 

INCIDENTS. 

John McClintock and Nettie Smallwood, on December 22, 1872, were 
joined in marriage, being the first couple married in the township, and 
the marriage of H. F. Jones and Mary McClintock followed some two or 
three weeks later. Among the first births in the townsliip were sons in 
the families of W. J. McClintock and D. H. McKee, in the summer ot 
1870, and on August 15, 1870, a daughter, Julia A., to Colonel Baldwin 
and wife. A son of G. B. McKee was injured by falling into a well, 
from which he died ; this was the first death in the township, and I uu- 



MUNICIPAL TOWNSHIPS. 125 

derstancl that B. W. HarwoocI, who was murdered on August 15, 1872, 
was the second person who died in the township. 

ELM GROVE TOWNSHIP. 

The first party to locate in Elm Grove township was William Bowen, 
who took his claim on sections 3 and 10 early in the spring of 1867, the 
old settlers say, although no one whom I have met is able to fix the date 
of his settlement. Probably the next settlers in the township were R. P. 
and Amos Totten, who located on section 10, as it is thought, in the 
summer of 1867. A few parties made settlement here in 1868. Madison 
Sharp came in June and located on the northeast quarter of section 13, 
although he did not bring his family until the following February. At 
the same time Thomas Sharp located on the southeast of the same sec- 
tion. In 1869 many more families came in. C. M. Keeler located on 
same section with William Bowen, Daniel Mclutyre on the southwest 
quarter of section 12, Joseph Gray on the northeast quarter of section 3, 
A. J. Moler on the south w^est quarter of section 13, James Woodville on 
section 12, in township 35. Wesley Faurot came July 29th this year, and 
settled in the extreme southeast corner of the township ; Harvey Jones 
also settled in the southern part of the township. In July, C. B. Pratt 
took the northwest quarter of section 3, in township 35, and opened 
thereon the first store in the township ; he was appointed postmaster of 
the postoffice at that point, which was called Ripon. In October Dr. 
D. P. Lucas settled on the northwest quarter of section 12, in township 
35 ; and during the season Thomas Summerfield settled in the same local- 
ity, on the southeast quarter of section 9. Probably still more families 
whose names I have not mentioned came in this year. The settlement of 
the southwestern part of the township did not commence until the spring 
of 1870. In June, Peter Shufelt found a small house on the southwest 
quarter of section 20 which had been put there by some one who had 
left. He took possession of this and made claim to this quarter, after- 
ward paying the man for his house. Harrison Sword settled on the 
southwest quarter of section 30, A. J. Lots on the southwest quarter of 
section 7, Peter Rhodes on section 18, H. H. Lieb and R. W. Lieb also 
in that vicinity. During the season Owen Wimmer and sons located on 
section 29, but did not bring their families until the spring of 1871 ; Al- 
fred Elliott located on the northwest quarter of section 30. In 1871, 
Junius, Peter and Lewis Goodwin settled on section 31. 

ORGANIZATION. 

By the division first made, what is now Elm Grove township was a 
part of Canada and Hackberry townships. After November 21, 1867, 
until its organization by itself, it formed a part of Hackberry township 



126 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

only. On July 27, 1870, W. H. Bowen aucl fifti'-five others having peti- 
tioned therefor, the Commissioners made an order for the organization 
of townships 34 and 35, in range 19, into a municipal township, with the 
name of Elm Grove ; and on July 29th appointed the following officers : 
D. Mclntjre, trustee; John Lane, clerk; John Freeman, treasurer: 
Charles Ballard and S. Bentley, constables; and recommended W. H. 
Bowen and T. H. Noslen for appointment as justices of the peace. 

STOCK. 

On April 12, 1871, upon a petition of Its citizens, the Commissioners 
ordered that stock be prohibited from running at large in the night-time 
for the term of three years. 

OMITTED. 

This township had the misfortune not to be named in the apportion- 
ment of 1871, and it was not until 1873 that it was made a part of any 
legislative district. 

CEMETERY. 

In the fall of 1869 James M. Woodfill died, and was the first person to 
be buried in the cemetery then started on section 12, in the south part of 
the township. His wafe Sarah soon followed him, and was the second 
to be interred in this cemetery. 

HACKBERRY TOWNSHIP. 

A few parties settled in this township in the fall of 1865. James Moss, 
Robert Hastings and Mr. Cawthorn located on section 1, Mr. Henderson 
on section 12, and Mr. Chandler near by. A few more parties came in 
the following year, and among them Mr. Redfield, who settled on the 
northwest quarter of section 1, Luman Reed on the northeast quarter of 
section 25, and Robert Gill on section 22. Many settlers came in 1867, 
commencing early in the spring and continuing to arrive during the sum- 
mer. In June, Gilbert A. and J. T. Cooper located on the south half of 
section 14, and about the same time Alexander Bishop settled on the 
northwest quarter and Jerry Strickler on the northeast quarter of the 
same section; William Newcomb settled on section 11, and Henry G. 
Pore on section 12. In July, George W. Franklin and L. C. Howard 
located on section 2 ; William Sullivan, Robert Johnson, Abner DeCou, 
Benjamin Hiatt, James Sloan, Walter Pratt and Caleb Phillips came 
sometime during the year. It is possible that some of the parties named 
came in 1866 instead of 1867. Elder Cooper settled on section 8 early in 
1868, and was the first Baptist minister in that vicinity. In October, 
William Hannigan bought the northwest quarter of section 9 from Cal. 
Watkins, who had taken it sometime previous thereto. About the same 
time Martin Jackson, Aaron Young and Mordecai Ramsey came in. In 



MUNICIPAL TOWNSHIPS. 127 

February, 1869, D. C. Constant settled on the southeast quarter of sec- 
tion 18 ; on March 9th, G. W. Jenkins on the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion 33 ; and in July, J. L. Jones on the northwest quarter of section 5, 
township 35. 

ORGAXIZATION. 

In the first division of the county, Hackberry township included town- 
ship 34, range 20, and the east half of range 19. By the new division, 
on Xovember 21, 1867, it was ordered that ''Hackberry township, No. 5, 
shall include town 34, R. 19 & 20." On April 14, 1869, township 35, 
lying in these ranges, was attached as a part of the township. The first 
election in the township was held at the time of the election of the first 
county officers, April 22, 1867, but there is no record of the result. At 
the election held April 7, 1868, the following officers were elected : G. W. 
Franklin, trustee; William Johnson, clerk; H. G. Pore, treasurer; L. C. 
Howard and D. M. Beuder, justices of the peace; D. Day and William 
Hiatt, constables ; and William E. Pratt, road overseer. 

CARE OF STOCK. 

October 4, 1869, the residents having petitioned therefor, the board 
ordered that stock be not allowed to run at large in the night-time for 
the period of five years. 

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 

The first settlement of this township has been spoken of in another 
part of this work. It may be said to have been the first part of the 
county settled by the whites, but the settlement was entirely broken up 
in 1863. The settlement as it now exists commenced in the fall of 1865. 
Among those who came that season were Thomas King, who settled on 
the northeast quarter of section 18, William Busby on the northwest 
quarter of section 17, William Puitt on the southeast quarter of section 
7, Zephaniah Woolsey on the southeast quarter of section 27 ; a man by 
the name of Baker and his three sons. Berry, John and William, and two 
sons-in-law, Dotson and Maxwell, along the Labette creek on sections 22, 
23 and 26 ; G. W. Yandel and his sons-in-law, David Lewellin and Chas. 
A. Rankin, came in November, 1865, and took claims, but did not bring 
their families until the following spring. These parties and also Mr. 
Yandal's son, Columbus, settled on sections 6, 7 and 8. About the same 
time George W. Kingsbury settled on section 6. 

During 1866 many parties came into the township, some coming early 
in the spring and others later in the season. In the spring the Rice 
brothers, Benjamin, John and James, John Green, Orville Thompson. 
John W. Wiley, Gilbert Martin, Samuel Braught, Allen Barnes, Maucil 
Garret, Lorenzo Braught, James Smith, and perhaps others, settled in 



128 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

the northeastern part of the township north of the Labette. In May, 
S. R. SoutHwiek settled on the northeast quarter of section 29, William 
Shay on the southeast quarter of section 20, John Kinney and sons on 
the northwest quarter of section 28, George Lane on the southwest quar- 
ter of section 28, Abraham Ewers on the southwest quarter of section 31. 
In June, Samuel Gregory settled on the southeast quarter of section 26, 
and in August Mr. Yunker on the northwest quarter of section 29, and 
Mr. Bedicker on the northeast quarter of section 32. On August 12th 
Franklin Asbell bought the northeast quarter of section 18 from Thomas 
King and became a permanent settler thereon. On October 10th, David 
U. Watson settled on the south w^est quarter of section 21, and John N. 
Watson on the southeast quarter of section 29 ; about the same time Mar- 
shall J. Lee settled north of Labette creek, Milton Helm on the northeast 
quarter of section 29, and Riley Hawkins on the southwest quarter of sec- 
tion 20 ; Stephen Briglit bought the south w^est quarter of section 7 from 
Woolsey ; John and Cass Steel settled on section 8, Salina Grant on the 
northwest quarter of section 30. 

On January 1, 1867, Moses Powers located on the northwest quarter of 
section 21; in April, Isaac Butterworth bought the northwest quarter of 
section 30 from Salina Grant, and made his home thereon. 

BUSINESS. 

The first store in the township, aside from those located in Chetopa, 
was kept by Orville Thompson, a little north of Labette creek, on the 
east road leading from Oswego to Chetopa ; it was started in the spring 
of 1866. Soon after this the town of Labette was started, on the Neosho. 

DRAINAGE. 

For many years a large part of the land south of the Labette was cov- 
ered with water so great a portion of the year that it was practically 
of little use. In 1882 a ditch w^as dug, draining this swamp into the 
Neosho, thereby making a large tract of land capable of cultivation. 

CEMETERY. 

In April, 1874, John F. Hill deeded three acres of land in section 9, 
on which the Pleasant Valley Cemetery was laid out ; George Gennoa 
was the first person buried therein. This cemetery has been nicely im- 
proved and quite extensively used. 

ORGANIZATION. 

The Commissioners appointed for the organization of the county, in 
laying it off into precincts constituted township 34, range 21, a township, 
which they named Chetopa. The first official reference we have to this 
township is on July 2, 1867, when it was "Ordered, that the township 
called Chetopa, the southern township of Labette county, be changed ac- 



MUNICIPAL TOWNSHIPS. 



129 



cording to the request of the petitioners, to be called Richland township 
hereafter." On November 21, 1867, in dividing the county into town- 
ships, the Commissioners ordered that "Richland township. No. 4 shall 
include town 34, R. 21." While we have no record showing the names 
of the persons who were elected officers at the election held April 22, 
1S67, we soon thereafter find J. N. Watson acting as justice of the peace.' 
He resigned on October 23, and on November 19 the Commissioners ap- 
pointed G. H. English, and two days later they also appointed William 
H. Reed justice of the peace. On April 7, 1868, the following officers 
were elected : Robert Steel, trustee ; R. B. Wallan, clerk ; Daniel Quinby, 
treasurer ; George Kiueade and B. B. Baker, justices of the peace ; J. W. 
Wiley and A. P. Kinkade, constables ; Allison Hasty, road overseer. On 
April 14, 1869, an order of the Commissioners was made attaching town- 
ship 35, range 21, to Richland township. 



TOWI^S A^-D CITIES. 



PROPOSED TOWXS— "IT MIGHT HAVE BEEX.'^ 

LABETTE. 

No less than three towns christened Labette have been started in this 
county. The first of the three was located in the fall of 1866, by Gilbert 
Martin, on the banks of the Neosho, in section 14, Richland township. 
In 1867 Mr. Martin put in a saw-mill, to which was attached a set of corn 
buhrs. The mill got quite a trade at this point. A store building was 
erected by L. D. Bovee, for Mr. Smith, who put in a stock of groceries. 
This building was afterward sold to School District No. 3, and was moved 
from its location on the town-site to the public road, where it now stands, 
and is still in use as a school-house. Another building was erected, for 
R. G. Tileston, who put in quite a large amount of groceries. In Janu- 
ary, 1868, Martin, Tileston and Bovee put up quite a quantity of ice, fully 
eight inches thick. With the cold weather of the spring and winter of 
1867 and 1868 the hopes of this town vanished, and during the spring all 
of its business was moved away. 

The second town of this name was located on parts of sections 20 and 
21, in Richland township, just south of Labette creek. In May, 1868, a 
number of parties, among whom were G. A. Cooper, R. G. Tileston, L. 
D. Bovee, Allen Barnes, Gilbert Martin, and Isaac Butterworth, formed 
themselves into a company for the purpose of laying out this town, and 
on June 1 8 their charter was filed in the office of the Secretary of State. 
Mr. Tileston put up quite a large two-story building, and removed his 
stock of groceries from the former old town of Labette, lying to the north- 
east of this, and added thereto so that he had quite a respectable store. 
Moses Powers had a blacksmith shop, and quite a number of parties built 
small dwelling-houses; so that during the summer of 1868 there were 
probably twelve to twenty buildings of all descriptions on the town-site. 
The town was also known by the name of Soresco as well as by the name 
of Labette. Its proprietors supposed that they were in the line where 
the M. K. & T. Rly. would necessarily be located. With the close of 

(130) 



TOIV.VS AND CITIES. 131 

186S the prospects of an important town being built up at this point dis- 
appeared. Mr. Tileston became interested in Chetopa, to which point he 
moved his stock of groceries, leaving his store building, however, as a 
watch-tower in the desert to mark the spot which had been the scene of 
so many bright anticipations. 

DAYTON. 

The town of Labette having been started in the southeastern part of 
Liberty township, it was thought by some that a more desirable location 
for a town would be farther up Labette creek, and in May, 1870, J. F. 
Newlon, E. K. Currant, Peterson Cherry, W. H. Porter, and a number of 
others, became incorporated, the charter being filed June 20, 1870, and a 
town-site was selected upon the west bank of the Labette, below the 
mouth of Bachelor creek, on sections 9 and 16, township 32, range 20. 
But few houses were ever erected on the town-site. William H. and 
John I. Sipple put up a fair store building and opened up a store. E. K. 
Currant put up a building and opened a branch of his main store, which 
was at Montana. There were two or three other business houses. In 
November following the town was moved to Parsons. 

JACKSONVILLE. 

This town was located in four counties, but principally in Neosho 
county. It embraced, however, a part of section 3, township 31, range 
21, in Labette county. On December 23, 1867, a paper purporting to be 
a charter for the incorporation of the town was filed in the office of the 
Secretary of State, but there was no pretense of complying with the law. 
On January 23, 1868, a new charter was filed. Among the incorporators 
were William Logan, G. D. Dement, David Evans, and Samuel Correll. 
After the first two or three years there was little left to indicate what 
this town once was. 

CHERRYYILLE. 

On January 30, 1869, the charter for the town of Cherryville, incor- 
porating James H. Beggs, James McMains, John Oliphant, and others, 
was filed in the office of the Secretary of State. The town was to be lo- 
cated on the south half of section 12, township 32, range 17. The pro- 
prietors seem to have soon become satisfied that they were not going to 
be able to build up a town at this point, and concluded to abandon it. 

VERBENA. 
A town with this name was proposed to be located on section 13, town- 
ship 32, range 17, in Osage township. R. D. Hartsorn, John W. Claspill, 
W. 0. Hartsorn, Lionel A. Whitney and Samuel C. Hockett were charter 



132 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

members of the town eompauj*. The charter was filed with the Secretary 
of State Jime 16, 1869. 

KINGSBURY. 

The above name was chosen for a town that was to have been located 
on the northeast quarter of section 30, in Osage township, if the line of 
the L. L. & G. R. R. had run through that quarter as it was expected to. 
Mr. Kingsbury, one of the surveying party, assured the owners of claims 
in that vicinity that the road would surely be located on that line. Per- 
haps it would have been had not the general course of the road been 
changed so as to pass through Montgomery instead of Labette county. 
On the strength of these assurances a town company was organized, of 
which W. H. Carpenter was president and L. F. Dick secretary. When 
the line of the railroad was located west of them the project of building 
this town was abandoned. 

TIMBER HILL. 

A company consisting of Alexander W. King, Mahlon A. King, J. H. 
Beatty and others, was incorporated April 12, 1869, for the purpose of 
laying off the town of Timber Hill. It was located on the south half of 
the northeast quarter and the north half of the southeast quarter of sec- 
tion 34, township 31, range 18. About the middle of September, 1869. 
George W. Blake and William Blake opened a store at this place ; they 
continued to sell goods till the spring of 1871, when they closed and 
moved on their farms. 

BIG HILL. 

Joseph McCormick, David Stanfield, John A. Helpingstine, Thomas 
Harrison and Jesse Bishop, became incorporated February 22, 1870, for 
the purpose of laying off the town of Big Hill, on parts of sections 23 and 
24, township 32, range 17. 

NEOLA 

Was intended to cover 320 acres in section 3.5, tow'nship 32, and section 
2, township 33, both in range 20. Gilbert Martin, John N. Watson, David 
C. Lowe, Julius S. Waters, Chas. A. Kelso, Benjamin A. Rice, and others, 
became incorporated for the purpose of laying off the town. The charter 
for the same was filed in the office of the Secretary of State December 
24, 1867. By the most liberal construction of its language it can hardly 
be said to contain any of the statutory requirements for a charter, but it 
Is probable that this is not the reason why the town never succeeded in 
acquiring any more growth than one store and a blacksmith shop. 



TOIVXS AXD CITIES. 



ELSTOX. 

On September S, 1869, there was filed in the office of the Secretary of 
State a charter incorporating John Elston, John T. Weaver and others 
into the Elston Town Couipauj', for the purpose of laying off a town on 
section 6, township 33, range 20. During that summer this town had 
quite a growth. The parties composing this company were men of some 
means, who came from Johnson county and wanted to build a town 
nearer the center of the county than any other town had then been 
located, with the avowed, purpose of making it the county seat. They 
erected quite a large hotel and a number of store buildings, and for a 
time had considerable trade, and the town seemed to be on the road tO' 
prosperity, but its growth was of short duration, and in a few years not 
a single building remained to mark the site of this once ambitious place. 

KINGSTON. 

Kingston was located on sections 31 and 32, in township 34, and sec- 
tions 5 and 6, in township 35, range 19. It was started in the summer 
of 1877 by the erection of a flour mill by Eastwood & Reamer. Soon 
after, Mr. Jones started a blacksmith shop ; Thomas Brunei put in a drug 
store ; Aaron Humes a broom factory ; Anderson & Weaver a general 
merchandise store ; C. W. Campbell was postmaster, as well as physician ; 
S. E. Ball was the only lawyer. In 1S79 the engine was sold out of the 
mill, and thereafter was not put in again. The place continued more or 
less prosperous until the construction of the railroad through the southern 
portion of the county, in 1886, when it was abandoned and united with 
Edna. 

DEERTON. 

Named from the abundance of deer that were found in that vicinity by 
the early settlers. It was located by the Willie brothers on the north 
half of section 20, township 34, range 18, on the line between Howard 
and Canada townships. The first store in Deerton was opened in 1880, 
by Aaron Humes, who was soon after appointed postmaster. Charles 
M. Keeler next followed with another store of general merchandise. 
Blacksmith shops, a wood-worker and a broom factory were among the 
industries of this town. On the completion of the railroad through 
Howard township, in the fall of 1886, the town was all moved to Valeda. 



131 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



CITIES, TOWN'S AXD STATIONS AS AT PRESENT 
EXISTINO. 

ANGOLA. 

C. H. Kimball, Lee Clark and others filed a charter in the office of the 
Seeretarj^ of State on Xovember 29. 1886, authorizing them to lay off a 
town-site and dispose of lots on the northeast quarter of section 8, town- 
ship 34, range 18. The plat was filed February 12, 1887, acknowledged 
by Lee Clark, president of the tow^u company. There has never been 
much growth — only two or three business houses of any kind, and the 
stock-yards. 

PENFIELD 

Is a station on the P. & P. Rly., located on the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion 27, township 33, range 18. This location w^as formerly called Bar- 
ton. 

WILSONTON 
Is located on the line of the Parsons & Pacific Rly., on sections 16 and 
17, in Labette township. It was surveyed in August, 1887. The first 
store was started in the spring of 1888, by Samuel Jameson. Mrs. Ella 
B. Wilson is proprietor of the town, and has devoted much energy to its 
development and upbuilding. It has received its principal amount of ad- 
vertising by the distribution of the Wilsonton Journal, which is published 
here. 

IDENBORO 

Is a station on the Parsons & Pacific Railroad south of Parsons. 

MORTIMER 
Was laid out by Emanuel Mortimer, on the north half of the northeast 
quarter of section 25, township 31, range 17. The plat was filed Janu- 
ary 7, 1883. 

DENNIS. 

The first house in Dennis was the railroad depot, erected in the fall of 
1880. In the spring of 18S1 William Current put up a store building, in 
which he placed a stock of groceries; this was the first store in town. 
John Webb and John Milligau put in another store in the spring of 1882, 
their stock consisting of general merchandise. A second stock of gen- 
eral merchandise was put in by W. H. Thorne, in the fall of 1883. Mr. 
Thorne also put in a corn elevator and shipped grain, and put up the first 
substantial residence house in town. Subsequently John Mason put in a 
harness shop, L. Pedan a lumber yard, Wm. Cline a drug store, J. L. 
Wilson a hardware store, and Nelson Dunn a livery stable. The first 



TOWNS AND CITIES. 135 

hotel was put up by Mr. Acre, in the summer of 1885. It was not till 
December 21, 1883, that the plat of the town was filed in the office of the 
Register of Deeds, locating the town on sections 14 and 15, on the line 
of the Gulf Railroad, in Osage township. Lee Wilson was born to L. J. 
Wilson and wife December 24, 1884 — the first child born in town. 

LANEVILLE 
Is a station on the Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad, located on the southeast 
quarter of section 20, in Neosho township. It was started just after the 
building of the railroad, and has one store. 

MATTHEWSON. 

The plat of this town located it on section 15, township 31, range 21, 
and was filed in the office of the Register of Deeds April 30, 1879. The 
first house in Matthewson was built in the spring of 1879, by William 
Downs ; in this he had his residence, the store, and postoffice. The next 
store building was put up by G. W. Watson and C. Hamilton, who put 
in a fair stock of goods and did a good business until McCune was started, 
when they moved to that town, leaving but one store-house in Matthew- 
sou. 

STOVER 

Is a station on the Frisco, located on section 15, in Fairview township. 
The only business that has been conducted here has been one store, 
owned by J. X. Santee ; a blacksmith shop, by G. W. Brock ; and a part 
of the time H. M. Debolt has run a saw-mill, with which he has con- 
nected a set of corn buhrs, and has also been engaged in the grain busi- 
ness. 

BIG HILL 

Is a station on the Frisco Railroad, in Mound Valley township. 

STEVENS. 

On February 23, 1874, the charter of Stevens was filed in the office of 
the Secretary of State, incorporating Alfred Large, Jonas Clark, L. M. 
Bedell and others with authority to locate a town on sections 33 and 34. 
township 34, range 21. The plat was acknowledged by R. W. Officer, 
president of the town company, and was filed in March, 1874. A few 
years ago this place was incorporated as a part of the city of Chetopa. 

CECIL 
Is located on the northwest quarter of section 5, township 35, range 20. 
In 1869 Mr. Head put in a small stock of general merchandise, which he 
continued to sell until the fall of 1870, w^hen it was closed. Allen Mc- 
Neal has had a blacksmith shop since 1871. George Burge opened a 



136 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

store in 1881, which he has continued to conduct up to the present time. 
From 1885 to 1887 C. W. Fowler had a store in connection with the post- 
office. The Methodists have a church and cemetery at this point. 

MONTANA CITY. 
Soon after coming to the county Frank Simons brought a small stock of 
groceries, which he commenced selling in his cabin. Early in the spring 
of 1866 he put up a hewed log house on what was thereafter to be the 
Montana town-site, but which had not yet been laid off, and in March 
opened therein a store. This was the first building on the town-site, and 
this was the first store in the township. Soon thereafter, Yates & Fagan 
built a frame store building on the town-site and put therein a stock of 
groceries. This is said to have been the first frame building in the county. 
Soon after this they built a frame residence. The next spring Frank 
Simons built a frame store building into which he moved his stock of 
groceries. 

TOWN COMPANY. 

The Montana Town Company had been agreed upon some time pre- 
viously, but was not incorporated until May 28, 1868. Among those who 
were members of the company were Levi Seabridge, J. S. Anderson, 
Henry Minor, S. S. Watson, J. S. Waters, and D. M. Watson. S. S. 
Watson was president and J. S. Waters secretary of the town company. 
The town was located on section 8, township 33, range 21. 

FERRY. 

Abner Furgeson was granted a ferry license on July 11, 1867, and at 
once he, in connection with Jonah Wilcox, commenced the operation of 
a ferry across the Neosho near where it is spanned by the iron bridge. 

HOTEL. 

In 1868 Henry M. Miner erected a two- story building and opened 
therein the first hotel in town. 

PHYSICIANS. 

D. D. McGrath was the first physician of standing to locate here. He 
was soon followed by Dr. Frye, and they in turn by Dr. J. M. Mahr, all of 
whom were good citizens as well as good physicians, and did their part 
toward building up the place. Doctors Hall, Gapen, Taylor and Keys 
are among the other physicians who came to the place. Of all who have 
located here. Dr. Wheeler, who at present is rendering professional ser- 
vices to the community, is the only one that remains. 

MILL. 

In 1870 W. E. Livesay and J. O. Charles erected, and in the spring of 
1871 put in operation, the grist mill which ever since then has been an 
important industry of the tow^n. 



TOIVXS AND CITIES. 137 



MASOXIC LODGE. 

Evergreen Lodge, A. F. & A. M., numbering 86, was organized about 
the close of 1870, with eleven charter members. A. W. Swift was the 
first W. M. After an existence of several years the lodge surrendered 
its charter. 

IMPROVEMENTS. 

In 1868 the town commenced a rapid growth, which was continued 
during the next two years, and at one time it contained thirteen general 
stores, three hotels, three saloons, two livery stables, two wagon shops, 
besides a great number of other shops and stores of various kinds, and a 
population of not less than .500 people. Failing to get the M. K. & T., 
which was built in 1870, and also other projected lines which were in- 
tended to pass through her boundaries failing to be built, It was evident 
that for a time at least she had reached the height of her prosperity ; and 
when the town of Labette sprang up on the line of the railroad but a few 
miles from her, many of her firms removed their business there, and 
some of them took with them their business houses. 

GOVERNMENT. 

In 1873 the Legislature passed an act authorizing the town to incorpo- 
rate as a city of the third class, and in pursuance of its provision an order 
was made by the district judge, on July 3, 1877, for the incorporation of 
the city of Montana, and an election ordered for July 14th. At the first 
election Col. J. J. Woods was elected mayor, E. D. Keirsey police judge, 
and the following persons members of the council : A. B. Chaplain, G, T. 
Peak, J. P. Bradfield, Samuel Ballentine, and J. M. Mahr. A pretense 
of a city government was maintained until 1884. In April, 1883, Martin 
Wilcox was elected mayor, and was the last person on whom that honor 
was conferred. It became generally understood that the act authorizing 
the incorporation was unconstitutional, and the form of going through 
an election of officers who had no legal authority to act was abandoned. 

BARTLETT. 

The plat of the town of Bartlett, located on the southwest quarter of 
section 27. township 34, range 20, acknowledged by Robert A. Bartlett, 
was filed in the office of the Register of Deeds, June 5, 1886. The first 
lot was sold to Jerome €alahan, who erected thereon the first building 
which was put up on the town-site. It was a two-story frame, in the 
first story of which he put a general stock of merchandise, which was the 
first store in town ; the upper story was a hall, in which were held re- 
ligious and other meetings. B. F. Cox built the first dwelling in town, 
and started the first blacksmith shop ; the second dwelling was erected 
by H. L. Whiting. In 1891 William Jarrett put in a cider-mill, and in 



138 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

connectiou with it buhrs for grinding meal and feed. The Methodists 
are now erecting a church. 

ELM CITY 
Was laid out by Jesse A. Edmundson, on the northwest quarter of sec- 
tion 27, township 34, range 19, in Elm Grove township, soon after the 
<;ompletion of the railroad through that section, the town plat being 
acknowledged July 21, 1886. The first building on the town-site was 
erected by J. F. Shields and J. A. Edmundson, soon after the town was 
platted, and was occupied by Wilson & Vanbibber with a stock of gen- 
eral merchandise. Brown & Waugh and Smith & Edmundson soon fol- 
lowed with stocks of notions and groceries ; Henry Kobinett and N. L. 
Addis opened blacksmith shops ; D. Wilson sold furniture. In 1892 the 
Christian church erected a neat frame building. Quite a large amount 
of grain is shipped from this point, and a good business is done by deal- 
ers in most of the lines of merchandise. 

EDNA. 
On June 20, 1876,Mr. Booth and Alex. Patterson opened a general store in 
a claim shanty 11x14 feet, belonging to Jeptha Lackej-, on the X.E.^ of 
section 30, in Elm Grove township. This was the first start of the 
town of Edna. That same fall this firm brought from the town of Cha- 
nute the material of a frame building which they had torn down, and 
with it they put up at Edna, on the same quarter, the first store building 
in the place. This building still stands. They continued to conduct the 
business until 1879, when they sold to Frank Clark. Other stores were 
opened from time to time. In 1883 Dunlap & Co. started a hardware 
store, but there were no very important enterprises started or any large 
amoimt of building done until the construction of the railroad through 
there in 1886, with the exception of the flour-mill, which was erected in 
1883, by H. S. Wimmer and William Gear. This mill was put in opera- 
tion in the spring of 1884, and has ever been one of the most substantial 
features of Edna's prosperity. The town was not regularly laid off until 
the location of the railroad, in the summer of 1886. A plat of the town 
embracing a portion of sections 29 and 30, township 34, range 19, was 
filed August 21, 1886. 

FIRES. 

There have been two quite extensive fires in Edna : one on February 
13, 1889, on the west side of Delaware street, burning out the business 
houses of G. W. Reasor, W. P. Dollar, and Josiah Arnold ; the other in 
December, 1891, on the east side of Delaware street, consuming the busi- 
ness houses of Frank Martin, Frank Ilolton, L. Powell, Alexander Dun- 
Jap, and C. M. Einker. 



TOWNS AND CITIES. 139 

STONE BUILDINGS. 

There are no brick buildings in Edna, and but two of stone, the first 

being the two-story bank building erected by C. T. Ewing, in 1887, and 

the second a one-story building adjoining it erected by G. W. Reasor, in 

1891. 

GOVERNMENT. 

On the application of its citizens an order was made by the Board of 
County Commissioners on July 3, 1892, incorporating the town as a city 
of the third class, and on July 20 its first election was held, at which the 
following officers were elected: Mayor, J. H. Hoole; police judge, J. H. 
Reasor; councilmeu, G. W. Reasor, T. G. Harris, H. H. Clark, A. C. 
Yeach, and J. C. Arnold. The first meeting of the mayor and council 
was held July 25, 1892, at which J. E. Blunk was appointed and con- 
firmed as city clerk. 

On August 9 four ordinances were passed. The first levied an occu- 
pation tax on all the various kinds of business conducted there; the 
second provided for the maintenance of the peace ; the third prohibited 
stock from running at large ; and the fourth provided for licensing dogs. 

BANK. 

On January 25, 1887, C. T. Ewing, who was in the banking business 
at Thayer and Cherryvale, opened the International Bank at Edna, with 
J. M. Berry, cashier. C. H. Zabriska succeeded Mr. Berry as cashier on 
November 1, 1888, and continued in charge of the bank until it failed, in 

May, 1892. 

VALEDA. 

The site for this town is on a part of section 33, township 34, range 18, 
and was owned by the Excelsior Town and Mining Company. The plat 
was filed July 7, 1886. The first building in the town was put up by 
Stone & Willie, who placed therein a stock of merchandise. About the 
same time C. M. Keeler erected a store building and put in a stock of 
goods, and Dr. Ken worthy started the first drug store. During the fall 
of 1866 all of the town of Deerton was moved to the Valeda town-site. 

LABETTE. 

. This town is located near the center of section 26, in Liberty township. 
It was started with the avowed purpose of making it the county seat, 
and leading citizens from the southern part of the county as well as 
those in the near vicinity, took interest in the enterprise. Among the 
charter members were Dempsey Elliott, J. S. Waters, James H. Crich- 
tou, W. A. Hodges, John W. Horner, W. J. Conner, and many more of 
like character and responsibility. The town company was incorporated 



140 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

May 3, 1870. The charter specified thai the town was to be located near 
Neola. It was not until September that the town plat was acknowledged 
by W. J. Conner, president of the town company ; however, the building 
of the town commenced immediately upon the organization of the town 
company. The first families to be located upon the town-site were Rob- 
ert Cooper, Wilf. Cooper, Dr. W. J. Conner, and Jacob Weider. Wilf. 
Cooper entered a part of the town-site, and had resided thereon since 
1868. Probably the first business house upon the town-site was that of 
Jacob Weider, moved there from Montana the latter part of May, iu 
which he at once opened a bakery and saloon. Another saloon was 
opened some time after this by a Mr. Woolsey ; neither had license to 
run, and yet both were conducted for months without being interfered 
with. Before the close of June, 1870, a meat market was conducted by 
Lewis & Smith ; a lumber yard by Mr. Wilkins ; a boarding-house by 
Mr. Brady; a shoe shop by Mr. Moon, and a grocery store by Bates & Co. 
At this time it was said that there were fifty-two houses on the town-site. 
During the next few months the town built rapidly, and by the close of 
the year was represented by nearly every line of business. 

Failing to secure the county seat, the success of the town began to be 
questioned, and of those interested therein some commenced to take 
their departure. For a number of years past it has remained what it 
became after the boom had subsided — a village with a fair business for 
two or three stores, and a shipping point for the grain raised in the 
vicinity. About 1875 a mill was erected by Boweu & Williams, of Che- 
topa. Some two years thereafter A. W. Diggs bought it, but soon sold 
it to other parties. The machinery was then removed, and the mill has 
never since been in operation. 

Soon after the town was started, cemetery grounds were selected north 
of town. Mrs. Sarah Cooper was the first person whose body was inter- 
red therein. 

ALTAMONT. 

I. N. Hamilton, Henry G. Hamman, J. J. Miles, and others were mem- 
bers of the town company which was chartered February 4, 1875, for the 
pLU'pose of laying out a town on the south half of section 3 and the north 
half of section 11, township 33, range 19. This company does not seem 
to have accomplished its purpose, and on September 5, 1879, a new char- 
ter was filed, by I. N. Hamilton, S. O. Noble and others, for the purpose 
of locating a town on the northeast quarter of section 11, township 33, 
range 19. This laud the company purchased from William Miller. The 
town plat was acknowledged by J. B. Jones, president, and S. O. Noble, 
secretary, and was filed January 21, 1880. I. N. Hamilton was first 
president, but was soon succeeded by J. B. Jones as president and Scott 



TOlVArS AND CITIES. 241 



O. Xoble as secretary. The first house erected on the town-site was the 
residence of Scott O. Noble ; this was built In October, 1879. In Decem- 
ber of the same year J. B. Jones put up the next building, in which, 
about the first of January, 1880, James Hershberger opened the first 
store in town. 

MILLS, 

In 1875, before there seemed any prospect of building a town near 
tliere, E. C. Gordon and A. B. Hammer erected a frame building on the 
northwest quarter of section 2, belonging to I. N. Hamilton. The ma- 
chinery for a grist-mill was put in the next season, and a custom flouring- 
niill was conducted quite successfully for several years. In 1878 J. W. 
Giles erected a small mill on the southwest quarter of section 2. This 
was not operated very long. Mr. Giles afterwards moved the building 
onto the town-site, and out of it constructed a hotel. The mill now in 
operation was built in 1881, by Martin A. Renuer and Daniel Reid. The 
town company donated the laud, constructed the pond, and gave them 
$75 in money, in order to secure the mill. 

HOTEL. 

The first hotel was built in the spring of 1880, by Samuel Sharp. 
Afterwards J. AV. Giles moved his mill building on the town-site, and 
out of it constructed quite a good hotel building. 

GOTERXMEXT. 

September 29, 1884, the town was incorporated, and on October 14. 
1884, the first election was held, which resulted in electing H. C. Blanch- 
ard mayor, L. W. Grain police judge, and the following councilmen : R. 
B. Gregg, W. M. McCoid, D. Reid, C. S. Newlon, A. J. Garst. W. F. 
Haraman was elected city clerk. Mr. Blanchard was elected mayor by 
two majority over J. B. Jones. 

MAYORS. 

1884, H. C. Blanchard ; 1885, C. S. Newlon ; 1886, W. P. Wilson ; 1887, 
A. W. Mackie; 1888-89, J. B. Jones; 1890, R. B. Gay; 1891, A. W. 
Mackie; 1892, C. S. Newlon. 

CLERKS. 

1884, W. F. Hamman; 1885, A. A. Farmer; 1886, B. F. Godfrey; 
1887-88, C. M. Pool; 1889, J. B. Libbey ; 1890, W. S. Haughton ; 1891, 
Harry Mills ; 1892, W. F. Hamman. 

BRICK BUILDINGS. 

In 1886 P. Lane erected a substantial two-story brick business house. 
Prior to this all the buildings had been frame. The only other brick 
building in town is the school-house, erected in 1891. 



142 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

BANK. 

February 1, 1886, J. H. Macon and S. A. Duval opened a bank, which 
was run some lime, but finally the management was such that it was 
found to be unprofitable, and it was closed. 

CHURCHES. 

The Presbyterians put up a church building in the spring of 1881 ; the 
Methodists in 1883; the Baptists finished their house in June, 1884 ; and 
in 1892 the Christians purchased the old frame school-house and moved 
it onto their lots for a church. 

MOUND VALLEY. 

J. P. Allen, W. A. Lewis, Charles Beggs, X. L. Hibbard, Chas. Lierly, 
C. H. Lewis and others became incorporated July 13, 1868, with the au- 
thority to locate a town on section 2, township 33, range 18. The first 
building on the town-site was put up in the summer of 1869, by the town 
company in connection with Alexander Honrath and Henry Rohr, the 
upper story of which was to be used as the town company's office and the 
public hall, and the lower story by Honrath & Rohr for a general store. 
Among those who followed Messrs. Honrath & Rohr were L. F. Nicholas, 
who put in a stock of drugs ; J. B. Kremer, who had a grocery aud hard- 
ware store ; and E. H. Stevens, the postoftice. 

No title to the land on which the town was located was obtained from 
the Government until the passage of the act of 1876. In February, 1877, 
the occupants petitioned the Probate Judge to enter the town-site as he 
was authorized to do under the law. This he did, and in July, 1878, a 
certificate of entry was issued to him for the benefit of the occupants of 
the said town-site. 

PROFESSIONAL MEN. 

Several parties who had been or claimed to be lawyers have had their 
office In this town. W. M. Rogers was the first of this class to locate 
here. Without attempting to mention a number of those who subse- 
quently attempted to practice in justice court, some of whom were and 
some of whom were not admitted to the bar, I may mention W. F. Schoch, 
who for several years was located at this point, and did a good business. 
The first doctor to locate in this vicinity was Charles H. Lewis, who 
settled here in 1869. He had a claim on which he lived; he had quite a 
good practice. E. Tanner came in February, 1870, and N. M. Miller 
later in that year. Doctors Pattie, Woods, Towel, Wenner, Tustison, 
Stansbury, McEwen, Sanders, Allen, Lemon, Lake and Strother have 
offered their services to the public, and severel of them have done a good 
business and made a good reputation. 



TOIVNS AND CITIES. ^^^ 



BANKS. 

On October 7, 1883, C. M. Couclon and W. H. Gaudy opened a bank, 
which the}- continued to run until September, 1889, when they dissolved, 
since which time the bank has been conducted by Mr. Condon. 

GAS. 

In 1883 an effort was made to sink an artesian well for the purpose of 
supplying the town with water, and with the hope of finding coal. After 
drilling to a depth of over 750 feet, the parties became doubtful of ob- 
taining the object sought ; it was, however, discovered that the well con- 
tained a large amount of gas, and in 1884 tubing was put in with the 
view of utilizing the gas. 

SANITAEIUM. 

The gas wtII above referred to was found to afford water highly im- 
pregnated with minerals w^hich it was believed would be good for medici- 
nal purposes. Authority was obtained from the Legislature to use the 
proceeds of the sale of the township railroad stock in the erection of a 
large house, which was done, and it has become quite a resort for inva- 
lids. It is lighted and heated by natural gas from the well already 
spoken of. 

MILL. 

In 1881 W. C. O'Brien and W. W. Harper erected a mill on the bank 
of the I^abette, which proved to be a very good institution for the place, 
but not always a profitable investment to the owners. The mill was en- 
tirely consumed by fire on November 23, 1892. 

STONE AND BRICK BUILDINGS. 

There is one stone and one brick building in town. The first was built 
by Joseph Riff, in 1883 ; the latter, a very fine structure, was built by F. 
P. Dicus & Co., in 1890. 

FIRES. 

The first fire in town was on October 6, 1873, when the town company 
building with the stock of Honrath & Rohr was entirely consumed. This 
was probably as heavy a loss to the town as the great fire which occurred 
in 1889, when a whole block of buildings was consumed with the greater 
part of the stocks in it. The grist-mill was burned on November -^3 
1892. " ' 

GOVERNMENT. 

On August 2, 1871, on petition of Alexander Honrath and others, an 
order of the Probate Court was made for the incorporation of the town, 
and the following persons were appointed trustees : Alexander Honrath, 
Wm. M. Rogers, John B. Campbell, E. Tanner, and Alexander Mc Bride. 

On January 9, 1884, an order of the Judge of the District Court was 
made incorporating the town as a city of the third class. The first elec- 
tion was held January 24th. 



144 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

MAYORS AND CLEKKS. 

Mayors — E. Tanner, W. W. Harper, E. Tanner, William Clark, 
Joseph us Moore, W. W. McEwen, and F. E. West. 

Clerks— W. N. McCoid, J. M. Smith, N, M. Miller, S. B. Richard- 
son, Isaac Hill, Riifus Thrall, and W. N. McCoid. 

CHETOPA. 

Of the early settlement of this part of the county I have spoken in 
other parts of this work. The first white settler within the present cor- 
porate limits of Chetopa of whom I have any account, was John McMur- 
try, who lived at a point on the Neosho river at or near where the west 
end of the Neosho river bridge is now located. When the settlement was 
destroyed in 1863, his house was torn down. I have not been able to 
learn at what date he settled here, but Dr. Lisle found him there when 
he came, and he continued to reside there up to the breaking-up of the 
settlement in 1863. Dr. Lisle made his settlement upon a piece of ground 
ever since by him claimed as his home, on April 18, 1857. That summer 
he erected his house and shops on what is now a part of block 24. In 
August he went back to Ohio and brought his family with him, arriving 
in Chetopa in November. From that time to the present his absence 
from Chetopa has been but temporary. 

Willoughby Doudna came to see Dr. Lisle in fall of 1857 and stayed 
with him some time. The next year he went back to Ohio and married. 
In the fall he and his wife came to Chetopa, but in the spring of 1859 
they located near Baxter Springs, and did not come back to Chetopa 
until after the war. 

The early settlement at and around Chetopa was broken up November 
19, 1863, by a force of United States troops numbering probably some 
two or three hundred, under the command of Captain Willits, Adjutant 
Ahle and Lieutenant Josylen. All of the buildings in the vicinity were 
burned or otherwise destroyed and all the settlers were driven away. 
This was done, as the officers claimed, by command of their superior offi- 
<;ers to prevent the property falling into the hands of the rebels. Dr. 
Lisle and family went to Coimcil Grove. They remained until Septem- 
ber, 1865, when he came down and looked over the ground, and in No- 
vember of that year brought his family back to Chetopa. 

permanent settlement. 
The permanent settlement of Chetopa really commences with the year 
1866. In the spring of that year Ephraim Doudna and Dr. George Lisle 
built the first house upon the town-site. It was a "shake" house, and 
stood on the west side of what is now Third street, and north of Maple 
street, near the alley. In this house Ephraim Doudna opened the first 



TOIVA'S AND CITIES. ^45 



store in town. He had a small stock of goods consisting of dry goods, 
groceries, and provisions. Soon after this a man by the name of Hotf- 
mau built a cabin and blacksmith shop south of where Maple street now 
is, and between Second and Third streets. These were the only build- 
ings in town at the close of 1866 of which I have been able to learn, 
although it is probable there were two or three more log houses built that 
year. Perry Barnes moved into town on election day, in November of 
that year, and was allowed to vote ; it was considered that everybody who 
was here with the intention of settling had a right to express his prefer- 
ence at the first election. D. U. Watson and Wm. Shay were two of the 
judges of this election, and S. R. Southwick was one of the clerks. 

In February of 1867 Willoughby Doudna, who had a saw-mill on the 
east side of the Neosho river just above the mouth of Canville creek, in 
Neosho county, moved it to Chetopa and located it on the west side of 
the Neosho near the foot of Maple street as afterwards located. He began 
sawing on February 20th, and had a buhr for grinding corn in operation 
the fore part of May. The only other mills at this time in the county 
were in Neosho and Montana townships. W. H. Reed operated this 
mill, sawed the first tree made into boards in Chetopa, and during the 
spring built the first frame house that was erected in town. It stood at 
the northwest corner of block 60. From this time on frame houses made 
of native lumber began to be built where before either the log or "shake*' 
shanties had been made to answer. In the early summer of this vear a 
rough survey for the town-site was made by S. R. Southwick, and Maple 
and Third streets were located. In June, Perry Barnes built a house on 
the southeast corner of Third and Maple streets, designed for a hotel and 
store. In this, about the first of July, he opened a stock of groceries 
and a hotel : this was the first hotel in town, and the second store. About 
the same time a small cabin was erected on the southwest corner of First 
and Maple streets and called "Bachelors' Hall,'' or the "Cabinet Shop.*' 
That summer Z. A. Woodard bought out Mr. Doudna. and in the build- 
ing by him occupied put in a general stock of goods. In this store, from 
the first, was kept the postoffice. Thus the first building erected upon 
the town-site contained not only the first store, but also the first post- 
office. William Craft and family came in October of that year, and at 
once commenced the erection of a hotel on the northwest corner of Third 
and Maple streets. It was a frame building. 24 by 26 feet, two stories 
high. It was completed and opened for guests that fall, under the name 
of the Chetopa House, and was the first building erected exclusively for 
a hotel. In the "Bachelors' Hall"' or "Cabinet Shop*' above referred 
to, in September of this year, was opened the first Sunday school in 

— 10 



146 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

town, with G. H. Hard as supermtenclent. Occasionally preaching ser- 
vices were also had. On October 23d, this year, Emma Reed was born 
to Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Reed. This was the first birth in town. 

The important events of 1868 were the securing of a title to the town- 
site, the organization of the town company, and the definite survey and 
laying-out of the town. As several of the then residents of Chetopa had 
settled there before the war, they were able to enter their lands under 
the 4th article of the treaty with the Osages of September 29, 1865. On 
January 21, 1868, Dr. George Lisle entered the southeast quarter of 
section 34 ; Willoughby Doudna and George Hanson part of section 35. 
The lands thus entered embraced the site of Chetopa, and so much as 
was within the limits of what was intended for the town was deeded to 
the town company. Thus, while her neighbors had to make their im- 
provements on Government land, Chetopa could offer homes to which a 
perfect title could be secured. This was an important item in her favor. 

IMPROVEMENTS. 

In the spring of this year the California House was erected, on the 
northeast corner of Maple and Third streets. In the latter part of the 
summer Spaulding's Hall, on the corner of Fourth and Maple streets, was 
erected; it was a good-sized two-story building, and furnished the first 
place in town suitable for holding religious and public meetings. An- 
other enterprise started this year, and one destined to add as much to 
the development of the town as almost any that was started in an early 
day, was the planing mill, sash and furniture factory of Taft, Brown & 
Co. This was built in the fall, and ready for operation the first of De- 
cember. They sent out a large amount of house-furnishing material and 
furniture to adjacent counties and neighboring towns. During the fall 
of this year Oliver Marsh opened a large dry-goods store, and Dr. M. H. 
Dursham started a drug store, which he conducted in connection with his 
professional practice. On April 4th James H. Crichton walked into town 
as the vanguard of a long line of attorneys who were to grace the bar at 
that place, and during the early summer he put up a two-story frame 
building on the north side of Maple street, and had it plastered ; this was 
the ^x%X> plastered house in town. At the close of 1868 there was quite a 
large settlement of industrious and enterprising people who were suc- 
cessfully conducting various lines of business, and the town presented 
the appearance of a thriving and progressive village. 

THE TOWN COMPANY. 

Dr. Lisle had from the first intended the location of a town upon the 
land on which he settled, and early in 1868 he arranged with influential 
men for the organization of a town company. It was not, however, until 



TOWXS AND CITIES. i^^ 



March 30 of this year that the towu company was incorporated. The 
charter members consisted of George Lisle, George Hanson, Willoughby 
Doudna, N. S. Goss, John Secrest, J. D. Torbert, and Watson Stewart. 
The company, organized by the election of George Lisle president and 
Willoughby Doudna secretary. The town was located and laid off upon 
sections 34 and 35. Liberal donations were made to the various church 
organizations, and to such enterprises as it was thought would tend to 
upbuild the town. 

IMPROVEMENTS IN 1869. 

I shall not attempt to describe the continued multiplication of new 
buildings, both business houses and private residences, as they appear 
during this and succeeding years. The two important features of the 
town's history in 1869 were the establishment of the Advance and the 
incorporation of the town. By donation of lots made by the town com- 
pany and the securing of a fair limit of paid subscribers, John W. Horner 
and A. S. Cory had been induced in the latter part of 1868 to bring a 
printing-press from Baldwin City, Douglas county, to Chetopa, and in the 
first week of 1869 they gave to the public the first issue of the Advance. 
It is not likely that any donation ever made by its citizens did more for 
the upbuilding of Chetopa than that which secured them this paper. Its 
publishers displayed a wonderful amount of enterprise in the gathering 
of news and extending the circulation of their paper. The advantages 
which the town offered were thus made known to all who had any dispo- 
sition to learn. 

In March W. A. Hodges brought quite a large nursery stock, which 
was the first to be brought to this part of the county. The first flouring- 
mill in town was erected in the fall of this year, and in October com- 
menced its operation. Gilbert Martin was the proprietor. 

AN IMPORTANT YEAR. 

The year 1870 was an important one in the history of Chetopa. The 
fact that every one confidently anticipated the completion of the railroad 
sometime during the early part of the year, gave a great impetus to busi- 
ness, and speculations ran high. A large number of new buildings were 
erected, and large numbers of new firms opened up in business. 

Brick Buildings. — Up to 1870 there had been nothing but wooden 
structures in towu, but early this summer several brick business houses 
were erected. Among the bricks erected were one by F. A. Drake, one 
by Dr. Halderman, and one by Hornby & Lewis ; others were also ar- 
ranged for and built the following year. In June of this year the cars 
were running into Chetopa, and the fact that it was the end of the line 
brought there a large number of emigrants — not only those who were 
intending to stop here, but also those who were anticipating going farther 



148 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

south and southwest. From this point travelers laid in their supplies, 
and the merchants of Chetopa conducted almost a wholesale business. 

Foundry. — In the latter part of 1870, John Torrance located his 
foundry at this point. This was a valuable addition to the business of 
the town, bringing to it an element of trade which before that had been 
compelled to go to Fort Scott and other points north. 

BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES. 

In January, 1880, a branch of the State Freedman's Aid Society was 
organized for the purpose of furnishing aid to the destitute refugees who 
had settled here. C. H. McCreery was president and J. D. Graham sec- 
retary. 

Orphans' Home Society. — A number of years ago this society was 
formed in aid to the State Home for Orphans. The ladies met regularly, 
and worked on articles either to be used in the Home itself, or to be sold 
and the proceeds applied to the aid of the Home. Through their exer- 
tions a number of orphans were provided with homes. 

A. F. & A. M. — On November 5, 1868, a Masonic lodge was organized, 
with J. H. Crichton, W. M. 

I. O. O. F.— August 10, 1869, a lodge of the Odd Fellows w^as organ- 
ized. 

A. O. U. W. — A lodge of the United Workmen was organized Decem- 
ber 17, 1879, with J. B. Cook, M. W. 

K. of P. — A lodge of this order was organized May 9, 1883. 

OAK HILL CEMETERY. 

On September 13, 1869, a meeting was held in Spaulding's Hall to con- 
sider the matter of a cemetery. Jonas Clark, W. B. Gregory and T. B. 
Lake w^ere appointed a committee to select a site. In October the com- 
mittee selected twenty acres on the east side of Mr. Hard's farm, south- 
east of town. No title could be procured to this ground for some years: 
nevertheless, the burying proceeded. The Legislature authorized the 
trustee of Richland township to appropriate money to help pay for this 
cemetery ground ; the township and city thereupon appropriating enough 
money to purchase and procure title to the land. The cemetery associa- 
tion was incorporated in June, 1883, with L. M. Bedell president, and 
George Eddington secretary and superintendent. 

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. 

On April 12, 1869, on petition of her citizens, the Probate Judge made 
an order incorporating the town of Chetopa, and appointed William Gage, 
Leander Brown, M. G. Pratt, A. S. Cory and Henry Lisle as its board 
of trustees. On April 14, 1869, these trustees met, and organized by 
electing William Gage chairman, and appointing W. H. Fisher clerk. 



TOIV.VS AXD CITIES. 149 

Ou June 2Sth Mr. Fisher resigned as clerk, and C. F. Webster was ap- 
pointed to fill the vacancy. Sometime between August 16th and December 
Sth, 1869, H. R. Dobyns was appointed clerk. 

On March 9, 1870, an ordinance which had just been passed was pub- 
lished, declaring Chetopa a city of the third class; and on April 4th the 
first city election was held. A Republican caucus had previously been 
held, and nominated S. A. Marsh for mayor, W. B. Gregory, C. H. Lud- 
low, Wm. Nix, C. A. Degraff, and Dr. L. P. Patty, for councilmen. The 
opposition concentrated their strength upon the office of mayor, and, 
many Republicans joining, brought out F. M. Graham for that office, who, 
after a spirited contest, was elected, with all the above-named candidates 
for council. Upon organizing, the new government continued Mr. Dobyns 
as city clerk till May, 1870, when he was succeeded by N. S. Storrs. 

In March, 1871, the city was by ordinance declared a city of the second 
class under the special act of the Legislature providing for its organi- 
zation as such, along with Oswego. There was a lively contest for the 
city officers at the April election that year. George W. Fox was sup- 
ported by those generally designated as the "bummer element," by the 
Adxance, and of course by many good citizens. C. F. Smith was supported 
by the Mechanics' Association which had recently been organized, and 
by the more conservative class of citizens. Mr. Fox was elected. Ou 
April 12, 1871, the new city council organized, and the following officers 
were appointed : Clerk, J. M. Cavaness ; treasurer, Hiram Butterworth ; 
assessor, C. P. Spaulding; street commissioner, R. G. Tileston; attorney. 
J. J. Long. On September 1st Mr. Cavaness resigned as city clerk, G. "SV. 
Houston filling the place temporarily till October, w^hen L R. Minor was 
appointed, and was succeded by Leroy Neale in November. 

The city government was characterized by a spirit of profligacy in the 
expenditure of money and the incurring of debt which soon brought it 
into disrepute with nearly all of the business part of the place. The 
mayor claimed high prerogatives unknown to the law. The saloons were 
the most powerful features in the local administration. During the fall 
and winter the Advance, which had favored their election, opened a war 
on the city administration. It said, "The rogues are having their own 
way to their hearts' content." For weeks before the next election both 
sides — the administration and the reformers — conducted an active can- 
vass. But when the election came off, in April. 1872, those in favor of 
changing the administration made a clean sweep and elected their full 
ticket. 

For a second time F. M. Graham became mayor, C. F. Smith was 
soon appointed clerk, and in June was succeeded by M. S. Parker. The 
old debt was bonded, the expensive contracts for street improvements 



150 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

were modified as far as possible in the interest of economy, and a feeling 
of financial security began again to inspire the people. It was evident 
that a new order of things had been inaugurated. 

MAYORS. 

1870, F. M. Graham; 1871, G. W. Fox; 1872, F. M. Graham; 1873, 
George Lisle; 1874, N. Elliott; 1875, Alfred Large; 1876, S. B. Fisher; 
1877, L. M. Bedell; 1878, S. B. Fisher; 1879, J. H. Crichton ; 1881-7, 
J. B. Cook; 1888, James Brown; 1889, George Eddington; 1891-2, C. 
Cranwell. 

CLERKS. 

1869, W. F. Fisher, C. F. Webster, H. R. Dobyns; 1870, N. S. Storrs: 
1871, J. M. Cavaness, G. W. Houston, I. R. Minor, Leroy Neale; 1872, 
C. F. Smith, M. S. Parker; 1873, G. M. Caldwell; 1874-7, Henry Frye; 
1878-87, John W. Breidenthal ; 1887, A. F. Sloane, J. B. Snevely ; 1888-9, 
L H. Frye; 1890, A. R. Bell; 1891, J. M. Cavaness; 1892, E. W. Min- 
turn. 

BANKS. 

Near the close of 1868 C. P. Spaulding started the first bank in the 
town. He had very little capital, and attempted a much larger business 
than he was able to conduct. He continued to operate this bank till the 
spring of 1870, when, unable to meet his obligations, a number of suits 
were commenced against him and he was forced to quit business. 

Ketcham & Co.— W. B. Ketcham and F. H. Ketcham opened a bank 
about July 1, 1870, which they conducted till the fall of the following 
year. 

National Bank.— The First National Bank was the successor of 
Ketcham Brothers. It was opened for business December 4, 1871, with 
James E. Marsh, of Kansas City, president, E. J. Stewart (then post- 
master) vice-president. F. H. Ketcham cashier, Lee Clark assistant 
cashier. Some time thereafter R. W. Officer succeeded Mr. Marsh as 
president. The bank had an authorized capital of $50,000, and a paid-up 
capital of $25,000. In March, 1873, the bank moved into its fine brick 
building, which it had just completed on the northwest corner of Third 
and Maple streets. In September, 1873, the stringency of the money 
market caused this bank to temporarily suspend payment. On July 19, 
1875, the bank decided to go into liquidation, and Lee Clark was put in 
charge and settled up its affairs. 

Savings Bank.— The Chetopa Savings Bank was organized July 1, 
1871, with a paid-up capital of $30,000. Charles H. Safford was presi- 
dent, L. F. Fisher secretary, and George S. Newman cashier. 

Private Banks.— January 1, 1870, F. H. Ketcham, R. W. Officer 
and Lee Clark commenced business as Ketcham & Co., and succeeded to 



TOJVNS AND CITIES. 151 

the business of the First National Bank. Lee Clark bought out the in- 
terest of his partners in June, 1876, and in August following associated 
with him Arthur D. Sturgis under the firm-name of Clark & Sturgis. 
January 1, 1879, Lee Clark went to Parsons to become cashier of the 
First National Bank of that place, and later in the year Mr. Sturgis re- 
moved to Mansfield, Ohio, leaving Edgar W. Clark in charge of the 
bank. August 1, 1879, Lee Clark purchased Mr. Sturgis's interest, and 
soon thereafter sold a half-interest to George H. Bates. Clark & Bates 
as thus constituted continued in business till the death of Mr. Bates, in 
February, 1883, when Florence E. Bates succeeded to the interest of her 
husband. Afterwards Lee Clark sold his half-interest in the bank to 
Edgar W. Clark, who, with Mrs. Bates, is still conducting the business. 

LOAN AND INVESTMENT COMPANIES. 

Col. J. B. Cook in 1875 opened a real estate and loan business, and 
during the next few years did an extensive business, both in the way of 
selling real estate and making real-estate loans. January 1, 1884, L. M. 
Bedell and J. W. Breidenthal became associated with him in the loan 
business, the firm being known as J. B. Cook & Co. 

By March 1, 1885, the Neosho Valley Investment Company was 
formed as the successor to the business of J. B. Cook & Co. J. B. Cook 
was president, J. W. Breidenthal secretary, L. M. Bedell treasurer. 
Subsequently R. Haines Passmore succeeded Mr. Cook as president, and 
still more recently other changes have been made in its officers. 

MILLS. 

October, 1869, Gilbert Martin commenced operating a flouring -mill 
which he had just finished on the Neosho. 

July 1, 1871, Hunter & Williams's flour-mill, which had been erected 
during the early part of the jear, was finished and opened for business. 
Since then other mills have been established. 

mechanics' ASSOCIATION. 

On March 3, 1871, the mechanics of the town organized an association 
for mutual help and protection, of which J. M. Bannan was secretary 
and the controlling spirit. This organization sought to unite the mechan- 
ics' interest in the town by an effort to control the work of that locality 
to those residing therein rather than allowing it to be done by persons 
brought there from abroad, and also to secure a fair remuneration to all 
who were engaged in mechanical pursuits. 

OPERA HOUSE. 

In December, 1883, the opera house company was organized, with G. H. 
Bates president, B. S. Edwards vice-president, William Lehman secre- 



152 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

tary, aud E. W. Clark treasurer; aud the following year the opera house 
was constructed aud opened. 

FIEES. 

On September 17, 1S71, a big fire broke out, and nearly one block, 
known as the Sturgis block, was burned. August 14, 1882, a great fire 
took place, starting in G. A. Lumau's hardware store on the south side 
of Maple street, and consuming nineteen buildings before its force could 
be arrested. On May 3, 1884, Marsh's block was burned. 

LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. 

On February 18, 1875, the Ladies' Library Association of Chetopa wa?; 
organized, with a membership of eighty-one. Mrs. M. A. Shilds, Mrs. J. 
F. Hunter, aud Mrs. H. Butterworth, by the payment of $10 each, were 
made life members of the association. The following officers were 
elected : President, Mrs. M. A. Aldrich ; secretary, Mrs. B. S. Edwards ; 
treasurer, Mrs. M. A. Shilds ; librarian. Miss Fannie Shilds. On May 14^ 
1875, the library was formally opened, with 116 volumes on the shelves. 
In February, 1882, the association disbanded, and did nothing for three 
years. On March 7, 1885, it was reorganized as the City Library Asso- 
ciation, with a membership of ninety. The payment of SI a year enti- 
tled one to the use of a book each week. The association now has 582 
books in the library. 

LITERARY. 

A number of winters, more especially in her early history, Chetopa has 
maintained a good literary society; frequently the business men have 
been among the leading spirits in it. In 1870 C. H. Ludlow was presi- 
dent, and that year, as well as in 1872-3, most of the leading men took 
part in the debates. In 1873 a temperance literary society was organized,, 
of which Dr. C. Humble w^as president. 

An organization of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle was. 
effected here in 1884. 

CHINAMEN. 

In 1884 a couple of Chinamen came to town and opened up a laundry. 
Some of the citizens conceived a great antipathy to these workmen, and 
concluded that the proper thing to do was to dispense with their presence. 
The Chinamen were informed that they would do well to take their de- 
parture from town, but not heeding the request, other measures were 
taken to induce them to find a more congenial home. The authorities,, 
ascertaining what was going on, took steps to interfere ; the result was- 
the arrest of some two dozen men engaged in the attempt to depopulate, 
and after a protracted and hotly-contested suit four of the parties were 
convicted and fined 325 each. 



TOWNS AND CITIES. 15S 

CET.EBRATIONS. 

Chetopa has ever takeu a pride in getting up fine celebrations. The 
first one was held on July 4, 1867, in an arbor provided for the occasion 
north of Maple and east of Third streets, at which the Declaration 
of Independence was read by Harry Shannon, of La Porte, Indiana. 
Speeches were made by Captain Secrest and others, and in this arbor in 
the afternoon of that day Rev. Mr. Cox, from Indiana, preached the first 
sermon of which we have any account since the breaking-up of the settle- 
ment in 1863. At the same place in the evening a dance was held, and 
those participating therein took their refreshments at Barnes's Hotel, 
which had just been opened across the street to the south. The next 
celebration of note was on July 4, 1869, at which Congressman Sidney 
Clarke and Colonel Hoyt made speeches to a large crowd of people. An- 
other important celebration was held July 4, 1875, when George T. An- 
thony spoke to a large crowd of people. 

OSWEGO. 
1865. 
Of the settlement of Mathews upon the present site of the city of Os- 
wego, I have spoken in another part of this work. The first settlement 
of the town aside from the Mathews settlement dates from the fall of 
1865. In the latter part of October of that year Clinton Rexford and 
N. P. Elsbree located, the former on the southeast quarter of section 16, 
and the latter upon the southwest quarter of section 15, township 33, 
range 21, and were the first white men to make their homes upon the 
present site of Oswego after the death of Mathews^ Messrs. Rexford 
and Elsbree were directed to this site by A. T. Dickerman and Jabez 
Zink, who had a short time before that located upon the Labette, and 
who found them encamped near the mouth of that stream in search for a 
location and contesting with the Bakers for claims taken by them. They 
had not much more than gotten fairly located upon their claim until other 
parties came into the neighborhood. But as the location of these new 
settlements were outside of the limits of what became the town, and have 
been spoken of in treating of the settlement of the township, I will not re- 
peat it here. Late in 1865, Rexford and Elsbree brought on a small stock of 
provisions and opened up the first store or trading-post in the town, and 
in fact the first in this part of the county. Their store building was a 
rough log shanty, and stood near the center of what is now block 66. In 
the street near the northwest corner of this block is a spring from which 
all the early settlers were supplied with water. The old Government 
road, coming from a northwesterly direction, passed between what is now 
blocks 61 and 66. 



154 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

1866. 

The first hotel in the place was started in the spring of this year by 
Win. A. Hogaboom. It was a log cabin, and stood on what is now the 
east part of block 61. While it was not a very commodious affair, it 
served the purpose of furnishing entertainment to the few new settlers 
who commenced coming early that season. Among those who came this 
year were the following: Dr. John F. Newlon, C. H. Talbott, Andy 
Kaho, the Sloane Family, Thos. J. Buntain, Hiram HoUingsworth, Thos. 
J. Flourouoy, J. Q. Cowell, H. C. Bridgman, Jas. Jones, H. W. Thomp- 
son, Nelson F. Carr, and C. H. Bent. Carr and Bridgman bought from 
Rexford and Elsbree the small stock of groceries which they had put in 
the fall previous, and added somewhat thereto ; and during that year J. 
<3. Cowell put up a small addition to the Carr and Bridgman store, in 
which he opened up a small stock of groceries and drugs. This was the 
first drug store in the county. 

1867. 

The treaty with the Osages having been ratified and proclaimed by the 
President, settlers came in this year in greater numbers, and with more 
assurance of finding here a home than had those who had previously 
<;ome. D. W. Clover had come into the vicinity the July previous, and 
had stopped with his sous down on the bank of the river. Directly after 
coming he had gone into the organization of the town company, making 
preparations for helping build up the town. During the winter he had 
gotten out logs, and in the spring of this year erected on the southeast 
corner of block 25 a hewed log house in which he at once opened a hotel, 
naming it the Oswego House ; ever since which time the principal hotel 
in the place has been maintained on that corner under the same name as 
first started. 

The principal new business firms that were started this year were A. 
Waskey & ^ons. Dr. R. W. Wright, and H. L. Woodford. All of these 
came here during the summer and got their business houses open in the 
fall. J. F. and T. P. Waskey conducted the business for their house, 
opening first in the Buntain building and the next season erecting their 
■own building, in block 33, into which they moved. 

Prior to this year there had been no saw-mills in the county, and all of 
the buildings had been built of logs — some of them rough log houses, 
and some hewed. Those who built this year were able to get boards, and 
several frame houses were erected. Thomas J. Buntain put up a two- 
story frame about 20 x 40 feet, on the southwest corner of block 25 ; Dr. 
R. W. Wright put up a one-story frame on the northwest corner of block 
31, in which he thereafter put his drug store; Dr. W. S. Newlon built a 
frame residence on the lots ever siuce occupied by him. Several other 



TOWNS AND CITIES. 155 

smaller frame houses, either for busiDess or residence, were also built. 
In addition to Dr. Wright, Dr. Newlon, and the Waskey brothers, whom 
I have mentioned as having come this year, I may name A. L. Austin, 
Rev. Thomas H. Caufield, Jerry D. McCue, and Walter P. Bishop. At 
the close of 1867 there were in Oswego ten frame buildings and eleven 
log houses, with a population of sixteen families, numbering about 100 
individuals. There were in all five stores, two of which were kept on 
the site first occupied, on the edge of the bluff, one by Carr & Bridgman 
and one by J. Q. Cowell. H. L. Woodford had a small feed store in the 
same vicinity. The other two stores were within the present business 
site — one by the Waskeys in the Buntain building, and the other by Dr. 
Wright in his own building, as above described. In addition to these 
there was one blacksmith shop and one hotel. 

During this summer Mrs. Herbaugh taught the first school, and the 
first religious services were also held, a Sunday school having been or- 
ganized and maintained during the summer, and preaching services hav- 
ing been instituted in the fall by Kev. Thomas H. Canfield, who had been 
sent here by the Congregational Society, and by Eev. John Mark, a local 
Methodist preacher, who had settled in the township. Thos. J. Flouro- 
iioy, a Baptist minister, also preached occasionally. 

1868. 

A very great addition was made to the growth and improvement of the 
town during this year. Several firms of quite large means started in 
business, and a number of substantial residences were put up. Read 
Bros., a firm composed of John S., Merrit, and Elijah T., came early in 
the year, and at once commenced the construction of their store building 
on the west side of Commercial street, where they have ever since been 
in business. They built a large two-story frame building, and put therein 
the first stock of hardware brought to town. C. M. Condon came in the 
spring, and put up a two-story frame, placing therein a large stock of 
general merchandise. Israel R. Fisher (Samuel Fisher, his brother, 
being then with him) located and put up a two-story frame, in which he 
commenced the sale of groceries, which he has continued until the pres- 
ent. Several other business houses of less magnitude than those I have 
mentioned were started this year ; so that at the close of the year there 
were 100 frame buildings in town, a very fair proportion of which were 
occupied by business of one kind or another. Nearly all of the lines of 
l)usiness usually found in frontier towns were at that time fairly repre- 
sented. 

The town had been started on an Indian reservation before the treaty 
with the Indians releasing their rights thereto had been approved, and 
even at this time the title to the same was in the General Government, 



156 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

aud no provision had yet been made for anyone acquiring a title to his 
home ; yet the people who had come here had commenced preparations 
for permanent homes, and most of them had no thought of making a 
change. Those in business were making money, and all seemed eon- 
tented and prosperous, and the year closed with Oswego having ap- 
parently as good a prospect as any of her competitors for making a 
prosperous and permanent growth. 

TITLE TO TOWX-SITE. 

The town company had originally claimed and bought the right of the 
original occupants to the southwest quarter of section 15 and the south- 
east quarter of section 16. Under the ruling of the land office the odd 
sections could not be entered under the joint resolution of April 10, 1869, 
but the even sections could. It was arranged that the southeast quarter 
of section 16 should be entered by D. W. Clover, who was then the oldest 
resident living upon the same. Immediately after making entry Mr. 
Clover conveyed the title to this quarter to the town company, which was 
thus enabled to make title to the several occupants then living and doing 
business thereon. As no titles could be obtained to lots on the southwest 
quarter of section 15, few persons settled thereon after that became 
known. After the contest with the railroads ended in the decision of 
the court against their claim, the passage of the law by Congress in 1876 
provided for the entry of town sites by the municipal authorities, when 
the town was incorporated, for the benefit of the occupants thereon. 
Someone had secured a provision to be inserted in the act authorizing 
town companies to enter town-sites under certain conditions. A contest 
sprang up between the Oswego Town Company and the mayor and coun- 
cilmen of the city of Oswego, for the entry of the southwest quarter of 
section 15. The city was represented in this contest by its city attorney, 
and the town company by Colonel W. B. Glasse. The decision of the 
local land office was in favor of the city authorities. From this an appeal 
was taken to the Commissioner of the General Land Office, and then to 
the Secretary of the Interior, both of whom sustained the decision of the 
land office in favor of the city authorities. This contest was ended in 
March, 1880, and thereupon the city conveyed title to the occupants for 
the lots occupied by them respectively. 

THE TOWN COMPANY. 

Up to July, 1866, the place we now designate Oswego had been known 
as Little Town "from a time when the memory of man runneth not to 
the contrary." 

Prior to the incorporation of the town company there were no records 
kept of its transactions except upon slips of paper. I have gone through 



TOJVNS AXD CITIES. 157 

the records thus kept so far as they have been preserved, aud from theui 
find the follov^ing facts: J. F. Newlon. William A. Hogaboom, C. H. 
Talbott and D. C. Eexford seem to have been the parties instrumental 
in organizing the town company; at any rate they are the ones who re- 
ceipted for the money paid for shares in the town company, so far as I 
can now ascertain from these fragments of records. The first records of 
any kind that I find are receipts, coming by date in the following order : 
"Xeosho Couxty, Kansas, July 9, 1866. 

"Received of N. Sloan thirty-one dollars, being one-half payment for 
said share in the town. Balance to be paid when the company is organ- 
ized and title perfected. If not perfected, the money refunded. 

William A. Hogaboom." 
"Xeosho Couxty, Kansas, July 10, 1866. 

"Received of A. Kaho one-half payment for one town share, in a 
watch ; if title not perfected, the watch returned in good order. 

Wm. a. Hogaboom." 
"Neosho County, Kansas, July 11, 1866. 

"Received of Daniel Matthias thirty-one dollars, being the one-half 
the money for a town share on the Matthews place. The balance due 
when the company perfect their arrangements and a good and sufficient 
title is had, but the above money to be returned if said arrangements are 
not consummated. Wm. A. Hogaboom." 

"Received of D. W. Clover thirty-one dollars, being one-half the pay 
of a share in Little Town. C. H. Talbot. 

"Little Town, July 12, 1866." 

The first record of the minutes of any meeting being held is the fol- 
lowing : 

"Little Town, Neosho County, Kansas, July 12, 1866. 

"The shareholders of the Town Company of Little Town met for the 
purpose of organization. Mr. D. W. Clover was called to the chair. On 
motion, Dr. J. F. Newlou was elected president pro tern., Wm. A. Hoga- 
boom vice-president 2-)ro tern., and H. C. Bridgman secretary pro tern. 
Moved that a committee of three be appointed to draft by-laws for the 
companj\ Carried." 

It will thus be seen that upon July 12, 1866, the proposed town is-still 
designated Little Town. The first time I find the word "Oswego" writ- 
ten is in the following instrument : 

"Oswego, Kansas, July 17, 1866. 
" This entitles the holder, T. J. Buntain, to one full share in the Town 



158 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

Company of Oswego, Neosho count}-, Kansas, on his complying with the 
rules and regulations of the Town Company of said town of Oswego. 

J. F. New^lon, President. 

H. C. Bridgman, Secretary, Town Co.'''' 

There is no record now to be found of the exact time when it was 
done, nor of the action taken in changing from Little Town to Oswego, 
but it is apparent from the instruments copied above that sometime be- 
tween the 12th and 17th of July the change of name was made. I am 
informed that at a meeting of the town company D. W. Clover suggested 
the name of Oswego for the proposed town, and some other member of 
the company, probably J. Q. Cowell, suggested Vernon. A ballot was 
taken, and a majority of the stockholders voted in favor of choosing 
the name "Oswego''; and from that time on Oswego was the designa- 
tion of the settlement formerly known as Little Town. 

On August 3, 1867, J. Q. Cowell, C. C. Clover, J. F. Newlon, D. W. 
Clover, T. J. Flouronoy, T. J. Buntain and D. M. Clover signed articles 
of incorporation, which were acknowledged before D. W. Clover, justice 
of the peace, and the charter thus prepared and signed was, on August 
10, 1867, filed in the office of the Secretary of State, and the company 
had a corporate existence from that date. The company's book contains 
no record of the meeting, but on a scrap of paper I find the minutes of a 
meeting held September 24th, and while the figures representing the year 
are not very distinct, I take it to be 1867. This being soon after the in- 
corporation, it was evidently the first meeting of the incorporators after 
receiving the charter. The minutes show that "on motion to organize 
and elect directors," the following w^ere elected : J. F. Newlon, T. J. 
Flouronoy, D. W. Clover, D. M. Clover, and N. F, Carr. On the same 
day J. F. Newlon was elected president, D. W. Clover vice-president, 
Nelson F. Carr secretary, and D. M. Clover treasurer. On November 26, 
1867, R. W. Wright w^as elected secretary in place of Mr. Carr, resigned. 
On February 10, 1868, a new board of directors having been elected, D. 
W. Clover was elected president, R. W. Wright secretary, and A. L. 
Austin treasurer. On January 9, 1869, J. F. Waskey was elected presi- 
dent, and M. Reed secretary of the company, and they remained the offi- 
cers of the company during its further corporate existence. 

ENCOURAGEMENTS TO IMPROVE. 

To the town company thus organized and operated, Oswego owed a 
very large degree of her growth and prosperity. While the town com- 
pany could secure no title to its site until the fall of 1869, it promised 
from the first liberal donations to all enterprises which it was believed 
would be for the public good. Each church organization was given lots 



TOWNS AND CITIES. 159 

of its own selection to an extent of 100 feet front; one-half block was 
donated for a school-site; a building was erected and donated to the 
county for a court-house ; a county jail was erected ; donations were 
made to the first newspapers ; and, until the close of 1869, anyone build- 
ing a house of a certain dimension had donated to him the lot on which 
it stood. 

STONE AND BRICK BUILDINGS. 

The first stone building to be erected in the place was the school-house, 
in 1869. During this year the Congregational church was commenced, 
and finished about the close of the year. The first stone business house 
was erected on the southwest corner of block 32, in the summer of 1869, 
by W. M. Johnson. The walls were laid that year, but it was not com- 
pleted until 1870. In 1874 H. S. Coley, W. H. Roby and Nelson Case 
purchased lots 1 and 3, block 38, and laid a foundation thereon with a 
view of erecting a brick building. These parties sold the lots, however, 
to Samuel Carpenter, who erected the brick building now standing there- 
on ; this was the first brick building in the place. One room of it was 
occupied June 1, 1875, by the firm of Montgomery & Carpenter as a store, 
and the other room was occupied by Hobart & Condon as a bank. In 

1879, the Masons put up their temple on the west side of block 32. The 
opera house was built in 1879, on the north side of Fourth avenue. In 

1880, after the fire on the west side of Commercial street, arrangements 
were made for the erection of brick buildings in their place, and during 
that season the entire east side of block 33, with the exception of the 
northeast corner building, was covered with a row of uniform brick build- 
ings. The following year Mr. Symmes completed the row by the erection 
of the one at the north end. The city building, at the southeast corner 
of block 38, was commenced in 1883 and finished early in 1884. In 1887 
L. Sawyer & Co. erected a fine two-story stone building on the east side 
of block 38. The First National Bank building was erected in 1885; 
this was the first three-story brick in town. In 1890 Mr. Knight put a 
very fine three-story building at the southeast corner of block 35, in place 
of the old frame Oswego House. Oswego was thus furnished with one of 
the best hotels in this part of the State. 

WATER-POWER. 

It was believed by our citizens that the Neosho cut-oft", commencing 
just below the dam and running south near the foot of the bluft' and 
striking the river again at a point as nearly as possible south from the 
place of beginning, would furnish an immense water-power. The river 
at this place taking such a large bend to the east, the fall in several miles 
of its flow could, it was thought, be concentrated into a comparatively 



160 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

short space by turning the channel down this cut-off. In 1871 a survey 
was made, and a report published that 19 feet of fall could thus be 
secured. But no steps were ever taken to make available this apparently 
wasting power, farther than to organize a company and make plans on 
paper. In January, 1874, W. T. Cunningham and others obtained a char- 
ter for the Oswego Canal and Manufacturing Company. 

STORMS. 

On the night of April 5, 1873, a severe hail-storm came from the south- 
west, and broke nearly every pane of glass on the south and west sides 
in very nearly all the houses in town. The following day was Sunday, 
and the town had a forlorn appearance. Not enough glass could be 
found in town to replace those broken, and for several days bed quilts 
and other garments furnished a conspicuous protection from the weather. 

September 29, 1881, a wind-storm in the nature of a cyclone passed 
over Oswego, scattering the lumber of Sharp's lumber yard, blowing 
down the porch at Mr. Tuttle's house, north of the Congregational church, 
and doing some other damage. 

FIRES. 

The following fires occurred according to their respective dates : Jen- 
nings's packing establishment, on July 3, 1879 ; the south end of the 
frame row on the west side of Commercial street, March 8, 1880 ; Grant's 
livery barn, with thirteen horses, February 18, 1882; Frisco depot, De- 
cember 11, 1882; Miller's mill, February 31, 188-4; the row of buildings 
opposite the Oswego House, February 10, 1886; Shotliif 's wagon factory, 
April 27, 1885; Hall's flour-mill, January 14, 1886; Judge Barnes's 
dwelling-house took fire and burned July 4, 1874. The Champion fire 
extinguisher, which had recently been purchased, had been taken that 
day to the celebration at Montana, and the fire company were much an- 
noyed on reaching home and learning that in their absence this fire had 
taken place. 

POSTOFFICE ELECTION. 

November 38, 1870, a vacancy existing on account of J. D. Coulter, 
the postmaster, absconding, and there being several applicants for the 
position, an election was held to determine who should be appointed. A. 
W. Pickering, who had been Coulter's deputy and who had charge of the 
office, was chosen over E. 0. Kimball, J. W. Minturn, J. A. Miller, R. 
J. Elliott, and C. M. Gilkey. These were not the days when the spirit 
of civil-service reform predominated, and the election cut no figure in 
the matter of the appointment. 

LITERARY AND ]MUSICAL. 

In the fall of 1870 Nelson Case, B. W. Perkins, H. C. Hall and some 
other parties organized for the purpose of securing lectures and aiding in 



TOIVNS AND CITIES. 



161 



literary enterprises, aucl ou October 6th of that year obtained a charter 
for the Oswego Library and Lecture Association. Under its auspices 
Henry Clay Dean delivered his lecture on "The Old Senate." This was 
about the extent of the work of this association. 

On July 19, 1870, a musical association was formed, with E. W. Davis 
as president. They at once arranged to give a concert on September 9th. 
This concert proved to be a great success, and on October 24th and 26th 
they rendered the cantata of Queen Esther. February 27, 1871, a brass 
band was organized, under the leadership of William Wells. In Janu- 
ary, 1872, Mr. Wells organized a ladies' cornet band, which soon became 
quite proficient, and was in favor at public entertainments. In January, 
1873, Prof. Perkins held a musical institute. In May, 1874, a new 
musical institute was formed, of which J. A. Gates was president. On 
October 1.5, 1877, a musical institute commenced, under the direction of 
Prof. Teats, of New York. F. B. McGill, H. S. Coley, E. W. Ross, F. 
Beal and L. C. Howard worked hard for its success, and it proved a 
great benefit in developing the musical talent of the town.* 
workmen's ASSOCIATIOISr. 

April 27, 1872, the mechanics and workmen of Oswego formed an as- 
sociation for their mental as well as financial improvement. J. A. Miller 
was elected president and George C. Sarvis secretary. F. B. McGill, 
David Branson and James T. Pierson were appointed a committee on 
lectures and educational matters. A reading-room was opened, and sup- 
plied with reading-matter by the members bringing books and periodicals, 
so that each had the advantages of what all controlled. It was not a very 
long-lived institution; its history, like that of so many undertakings, 
shows that it is easy to start almost any kind of an enterprise for the 
public welfare, but that if it is to be made permanent and to be a lasting 
benefit, some one must be willing to sacrifice himself for the good of 
others : such a person is not always to be found. 

MUTUAL BENEFIT SOCIETY. 

About the last of January, 1874, a society was formed by those who 
had been inclined to dissipation, to assist in at least a partial reformation. 
They agreed not to drink, either not at all for a certain length of time, or 
to abstain from drinking under certain circumstances. It was said to 
have had quite a perceptible influence on its members, and, at least for a 
time, to have seriously affected the receipts of the saloons. William 
Wells was president and L. C. Howard secretary of the organization. A 
charter was obtained January 28, 1874. 

THE AGGASSIAX SOCIETY. 

In 1873 a number of Oswego citizens who were somewhat inclined to 
— 11 



162 H] STORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

literary and scientific studies organized a society for the purpose of study, 
and the discussion of subjects in which they were interested and whicli 
might be deemed beneficial and of practical importance. Meetings were 
usually held weekly, at the residence of some of the members of the soci- 
ety. Some one was appointed to prepare a paper to be read at a subse- 
(luent meeting, and the paper thus presented formed a basis for discussion. 
This society was kept up for several years, and proved to be of very great 
interest and benefit. Among those who were prominently connected with 
the work were C. O. Perkins, Dr. W. S. Newlon, Mary A. Higby, Ferd. 
Beyle, F. B. McGill, together with many others who were less conspicu- 
ous in its workings. 

OSWEGO LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. 

The Murphy temperance meetings which had been held during the fall 
of 1877 resulted in the organization of a society for the purpose of open- 
ing a reading-room. A donation of a few books and periodicals was se- 
cured, and a subscription was taken to raise money to pay the necessary 
expenses of opening the room. Nelson Case wrote an article which ap- 
peared in the Independent in October, 1887, urging that steps be taken 
to make this reading-room, for which a start had been made, a permanent 
institution. His suggestion met with favor, and a committee was ap- 
pointed to secure a charter. The charter having been prepared and 
properly signed and acknowledged, it was filed in the office of the Sec- 
retary of State on December 34, 1877. A board of thirteen directors 
was appointed. On January 5, 1878, the directors met and organized, 
electing the following officers : President, C. O. Perkins ; secretary, C. 
L. Wyman ; treasurer, B. F. Hobart ; executive committee, Nelson Case, 
chairman, Merrit Read, F, H. Atchinson. Mr. Perkins remained presi- 
dent as long as he lived. F. H. Atchinson before the close of the first 
year succeeded Mr. Wyman as secretary, and continued to fill that posi- 
tion during the next nine years. Mr. Case remained chairman of the 
executive committee during its first ten years. Upon the death of ]Mr. 
Perkins, on April 30, 1887, the duties of the president were performed 
by the chairman of the executive committee until the annual meeting in 
December of that year, when Nelson Case was elected president, J. R. 
Hill secretary, C. M. Condon treasurer, F. H. Atchinson, E. P. Sawyer 
and R. L. Sharp executive committee. The following year Mr. Hill was 
made chairman of the executive committee in place of Mr. Atchinson, 
the other officers remaining as last announced, all of whom have held 
the same positions to the present. The association has maintained a free 
reading-room, kept open daily with very slight exceptions, from the time 
of its organization to the present. It has never invested very largely in 
books, but has acquired quite a fair library. Its tables have constantly 



TOWNS AND CITIES. 163 

been kept supplied with the best periodicals. For a number of years the 
association had its reading-room in the city building, but during the past 
two or three years it has maintained its reading-room, in connection with 
the Y. M. C. A. rooms, in the center of the business part of town. The 
association has provided a course of literary entertainments, consisting 
of lectures and concerts, nearly every season since its organization. A 
number of the best lecturers on the platfoim have been secured, as well 
as first-class musical talent. In more recent years the policy of home 
lectures has been inaugurated, and some of the leading men of the State 
have been secured to give lectures in these courses. By this means the 
people have been furnished with a class of entertainments of high stand- 
ard, and the association has reaped something of a revenue to assist in 
maintaining its reading-room. 

GOVERNMENT. 

On February 8, 1870, a majority of the residents having petitioned 
therefor, the Probate Judge made an order incorporating Oswego as a 
town, and appointed R. W. Wright, J. F. Waskey, Merrit Read, John F. 
Newlon and W. M. Johnson trustees. The trustees met February 23d, 
and organized by electing W. M. Johnson chairman, and appointed John 
D. Coulter clerk. Nelson Case was employed by the trustees as counsel, 
and assisted them in preparing ordinances. 

On March 21, 1870, a census was taken, which showed more than 1,000 
inhabitants in the town. An ordinance was passed declaring Oswego or- 
ganized as a city of the third class. The first election was held April 
4th, at which the following officers were elected : Mayor, J. F. Newlon ; 
councilmen, D. W. Clover, R. W. Wright, William Wells, J. T. Pierson, 
and E. R. Trask. On April 6th the mayor and councilmen organized, 
and held their first meeting. J. D. Coulter was appointed clerk, James 
R. Morrison marshal, and F. A. Bettis attorney. On March 16, 1871, an 
ordinance was passed declaring Oswego a city of the second class by vir- 
tue of chapter 59 of the laws of 1871, permitting certain cities therein 
named to organize as cities of the second class. The city has continued 
to act as a city of the second class from that time to the present. How- 
ever, in 1890, in a case wherein Oswego township was plaintiff and Jo- 
seph Anderson was defendant, the Supreme Court decided that the act 
above referred to was unconstitutional, and therefore the organization 
as a city of the second class thereunder was illegal. In fact, it was al- 
ways considered doubtful whether or not this act had any validity, and 
in 1880 the necessary steps were taken to secure an organization as a city 
of the second class under the general laws. On June 18, 1880, the Gov- 
ernor issued a proclamation declaring Oswego a city of the second class. 



104 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

MAYORS. 

1870, J. F. Newloii; 1871, Merrit Read; 1872, J. F. Waskey; 1873-76, 
R. W. Wright; 1876-87, C. M. Condon; 1887-89, H. C. Cook; 1889-91, 
J. W. Marley; 1891-93, J. M. Grant. 

CLERKS. 

February 23d to August 15, 1870, J. D. Coulter; August 15, 1870, to 
February 6, 1871, J. B. Zeigler; E. E. Hastings was appointed, but did 
not qualify; March 10, 1871, to April 10, 1871, H. E. Porter; April 10, 
1871, to May 16, 1872, C. F. Winton; May 16, 1872, to April 30, 1878, 
Nelson Case; May 6, 1878, to January 3, 1890, Thomas Bulwer; January 

3, 1890, to April 10, 1891, J. D. H. Reed; April 10, 1891, to , W. K. 

Orr. 

BUSINESS ENTERPRISES. 

Pottery. — In 1868 Mr. Shanks operated a pottery, and turned out 
several kilns of stone-ware. In the spring of 1870, D. and C. E. Watts 
established a pottery in the east part of town, from which they sent out 
quite an amount of stone-ware that season. 

Pork-Packing. — Mr. Jennings was the first to start this enterprise. 
He erected a stone building in the southwest part of the town, in which, 
in 1878, he commenced the slaughter and packing of hogs. Edgar Leon- 
ard and George Schwartz succeeded Mr. Jennings in the business. The 
establishment having been mostly destroyed by fire, the business was 
discontinued after having been conducted with a fair degree of success 
for two or three years. 

Wagon Factory. — In June, 1882, J. Shotliff commenced work on 
his wagon factory in the south part of town, which was put in operation 
before the close of the year. Mr. Shotliff operated this until it was de- 
stroyed by fire, in 1885. On account of the loss then sustained, he was 
unable to again commence business. During the time he was running 
his factory he turned out a large number of wagons, and did a good 
business. 

Tile Factory. — In June, 1885, H. C. Draper moved his tile factory 
to Oswego from across the river, where he had operated it for several 
years. 

Cotton Gin. — In November, 1888, D. S. and J. C. Romine and A. 
Chambers purchased machinery and commenced the operation of a cotton 
gin. On December 11, .1888, they shipped six bales of cotton over the 
Frisco to St. Louis, which was the first shipment from this point. The 
gin was run several years, but was finally moved to Chetopa. C. A. 
Wilkin was interested in its operation a part of the time. 

A Cheese Factory was started on the south side of Fourth avenue 



TOIVNS AND CITIES. 165 

uear the M. K. & T. depot, iu 1892, which it is hoped will prove suc- 
cessful. 

While no one else has ever carried on the manufacture of wagons at 
this place on such an extensive scale as did Mr. Shotliff while he con- 
ducted the business, there have been others who have done a good busi- 
ness in a smaller waj\ During the lifetime of David Branson, he and 
Mr. Marsh made wagons. J. C. Patterson has been engaged in the 
business almost from the start of the town. Mr. Gordon and Mr. Peters 
have likewise been in the business, and W. K. Orr has conducted a car- 
riage-trimming shop for many years. 

Evaporator. — Two or three parties have for a time conducted the 
business of drying and evaporating fruit. In 1893 a small plant was put 
in with the expectation of enlarging it and adding a canning factory. 

MILLS. 

In September, 1870, Macon, Krell & Cowell commenced the operation 
of their steam mill, the erection of which had been in progress for about 
a year. This firm were not able to continue the operation of their mill 
a great length of time, owing to financial embarrassment, and it was for 
a while in 1871 in the hands of Mr. Ross as receiver. The mortgage on 
the property was foreclosed, and the sale had through court. In October, 
1873, R. S. Mathews became the owner of this mill. 

In October, 1870, Howell & Rathburn commenced the foundation of a 
three-and-one-half story frame flouring-mill on the bank of the river 
north of Oswego, which was run by water except when the river was 
low. 

In June, 1881, Mr. Eickermau arranged for the erection of the brick mill 
in the west part of town, the walls of which were put up during the sum- 
mer, and at the close of the year it was ready for business. Mr. Eicker- 
man and G. W. Bird were the original proprietors. There have been 
several different ownerships of the mill. 

In the summer of 1893 Kiddoo, Black & Co. erected a new mill south 
of the Frisco road, between Illinois and Michigan streets. 

BANKS. 

The First Bank. — The first bank in the county was started in Os- 
wego, by W. M. Johnson, in October, 1868. During that year and the 
fore part of 1869 it was conducted on the north side of Fourth avenue. 
In the summer of 1869 he erected a small frame building on the northeast 
corner of block 38, in which he thereafter conducted the business. For 
a short time only A. L. Austin was associated with Mr. Johnson in the 
banking business. This bank continued to do business until the spring 
of 1870, when Mr. Johnson was forced to make an assignment. His 
failure was caused by attempting to build a town instead of confining 



IQQ HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

himself to coucluctiDg a baDk. He had great confidence in the outcome 
of the county and of the town, and expected to realize very large profits 
from the money he could invest in real estate. He secured two corners, 
viz., the southwest corner of block 32 and the northeast corner of block 
38, and on these intended to erect, for the time, very fine buildings. He 
went far enough to get the walls completed for the building on the south- 
west corner of block 32, now owned by Mr. Perkins ; in doing so he had 
used more money than he was able to control belonging to himself, and 
during the spring of 1870, when depositors were wanting their money, 
he found himself unable to cash their checks. Every dollar of his prop- 
erty was consumed, and still his creditors were far from being paid. 
What might have been a very profitable business proved his financial 
ruin, simply because he indulged in a spirit of speculation. 

About the middle of July, 1870, B. F. Hobart andH. L.Taylor came to 
Oswego and opened the next bank that was started in the town. About 
July 1, 1871, Mr. Taylor retired from the business, and was succeeded by 
J. C. Longwell, Mr. Hobart's father-in-law. Mr. Longwell having died, 
the business came under the management of B. F. Hobart. On July 1, 
1877, C. M. Condon became a partner of Mr. Hobart, and thereafter the 
firm of Hobart & Condon conducted the business until the summer of 
1882, when Mr. Hobart sold his interest to Mr. Condon, who has since 
had entire control thereof. He has a very extensive business. 

JState Bank of Oswego. — On August 18, 1870, the State Bank of 
Oswego, with a paid-up capital of $25,000, M. S. Adams being president 
and J. H. Folks cashier, commenced business. It only continued in 
business a few months, however, not finding a sufficient amount of busi- 
ness for two banks. 

The next bank to open its doors to the public was that conducted by 
George Brockway and H. C. Draper. It commenced business March 2, 
1874. Mr. Draper desiring to retire, in 1876 C. F. Smith, upon the close 
of his official term as treasurer, became associated with Mr. Brockway 
in this bank, and afterwards, in March, 1877, the sole manager of the 
same. This bank discontinued business September 1, 1877. 

In 1880 H. A. Marley and his son J. W. Marley opened a bank and 
loan office, which business they conducted until April 11, 1887, when 
they were succeeded by the First State Bank, which in turn was succeeded 
by 

The Osw^ego State Bank, on May 5, 1888. This bank has a paid- 
up capital of $50,000, and has done a profitable business for a number of 
years. Its board of directors have been J. W. ^Marley, E. T. Reed, H. C. 
Cook, John M. Grant, Lee Williams, H. A. Marley, Fred Perkins ; in 
1891 Scott Taylor succeeded Mr. Cook. 



TO I FA'S AND CITIES. 167 

The FmsT National Bank was chartered in July and opened its 
doors for business the last of August, 1883. Its first officers were R. P. 
Clement, president ; J. B. Montgomery, vice-president ; F. C. Wheeler, 
cashier; C. F. Winton, assistant cashier. In January, 1885, C. Abbey 
succeeded Mr. Clement as president. The last of 1886, Mr. Wheeler re- 
signed, and was succeeded by II. C. Cook as cashier. On April 1, 1887, 
F. W. Keller became cashier, and served until September 16, 1890, when 
he was succeeded by J. M. Berry. On October 26, 1888, K. 0. Deming 
was elected president, since which time he has continued in that posi- 
tion. The bank has a capital of $60,000, and does a large and profitable 
business. 

LOAN AND INVESTMENT COMPANIES. 

The Oswego Building and Loan Association.— This institution 
was organized in June, 1884, with an authorized capital of $50,000. H.C. 
Draper was president, L. C. Howard secretary, and E. T. Reed treasurer. 

The Deming Investment Co. — On the last of December, 1887, the 
Deming Investment Company was organized, and opened business on 
the first of January, 1888, with a paid-up capital of 850,000, since which 
time it has been increased, and is now $60,000. The firm of Winton & 
Deming had been in the loan business previous to this time for a number 
of years, and upon the organization of this company it succeeded to the 
business of said firm. Nelson Case has been president, and R. O. Dem- 
ing treasurer and manager of this company from its organization. 

The Eastern Kansas Investment Co. — About the first of 1889, 
Fred Perkins, C. F. Winton. C. A. Wilkin, M. E. Williams, and a few 
other parties organized the Eastern Kansas Investment Co. for the pur- 
pose of conducting a loan business. The company has done a good busi- 
ness. 

PAKKS. 

Upon laying out the town, the town company designated block 52 as 
the city park. For a number of years it remained entirely unimproved. 
A few years ago a number of the citizens undertook the work of its im- 
provement, and set it out to trees. It begins now to present quite an 
attractive appearance. 

ladies' entertainment society. 

On February 12, 1887, about forty ladies of the city formed themselves 
into a ladies' entertainment society, with the following officers : Mrs. 
Mary E. Perkins, president ; Mrs. Hettie C. Hall, vice-president ; Mrs. 
Franc Wilkin, secretary ; and Mrs. Anna Sharp, treasurer. The purpose 
of the organization was to secure a site for and to improve a park. A 
number of entertainments were held, by means of which some money 
was raised, and in addition to this quite a sum was raised by subscription. 
A tract of ground was selected and purchased lying on the bluff of the 



108 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

river north of the city aucl east of the water-works engine-house. This 
is about as far as the society has ever gone in its work of providing a 
park. There are a number of locations near the city with sufficient nat- 
ural advantages to make a delightful resort, were a reasonable amount 
of money expended upon the improvements. 

STREETS AND SIDEWALKS. 

For several years the only sidewalks in town consisted of platforms in 
front of the stores and public buildings. As the space between these 
buildings grew less by the erection of other new buildings, the platforms 
were connected and planks put down, so that there was a continuous 
sidewalk on the principal street so far as the stores extended. 

As early as July 21, 1870, notice was given by direction of the council 
for the construction of certain sidewalks, but no further action was ever 
taken thereunder. The first sidewalk constructed outside the business 
part of town, and the first one built by direction of the city council, was 
on Illinois street, extending from block 9 in Johnson & Folks's addi- 
tion, to the Methodist church. This was built in pursuance of an order 
made by the council on March 6, 1874, on the petition of the requisite 
number of property-holders along the line. From this time on, sidewalks 
began to be gradually petitioned for and to be built over the residence 
part of town, and for several years past nearly all streets of the city that 
are thickly inhabited have been supplied with good sidewalks. 

During the summer of 1878 Commercial street was graded from Fourth 
avenue to the Frisco depot, and put in good condition for travel. It was 
not until June, 1885, that a good plank sidewalk was laid on the south 
side of Fourth avenue from Commercial street to the M. K. & T. depot. 

TREES. 

Few cities are better supplied with shade trees than is Oswego. All 
of the principal streets were at an early day set out with lines of trees, 
which have made a good growth, and now furnish abundant shade. The 
yards are also supplied with beautiful shade and ornamental trees, and 
in the summer the place presents almost the appearance of a city built in 

^ ^■«^'^^'^- TELEPHONE. 

Early in 1883 a telephone plant was put in operation, connecting many 
of the business and dwelling-houses, and was quite extensively used. 
During the summer a line was put in connecting Oswego with Parsons, 
which was completed July 20th. This plant was only used for a few 
months to any great extent, and after a time all of the instruments were 
taken out. ^ ^^ ^^^^.^c 

WATER- WORKS. 

During 1887 a system of water-works was constructed, supplying the 
city with water from the Neosho river north of town. They were put in 



TOWNS AND CITIES. \^^ 



operation in tlie fall, and were accepted by the city about the last of No- 
vember. ELECTRIC LIGHTS. 

An electric light plant was put in during the spring and summer of 
1888. On July 12th of that year the lights were first turned on. After 
being run a few months, its operation was for a time suspended. A 
change of ownership, however, was had, and the lights were soon again 
turned on, and have been in operation ever since. The streets are lighted 
with arc lights, and many dwellings and business houses with incan- 
descent. 

PARSONS. 

THE COMMENCEMENT. 

On June 19, 1869, W. K. Hayes located on the north half of the south- 
west quarter of section 19, North township, and in connection with Mil- 
ton W. Eves opened a small stock of general merchandise. Mr. Hayes 
was on September 25, 1869, appointed postmaster of a new postofiBce 
established at that point and named Meudota— "the place of meeting." 
Whether it was the place of meeting of the two branches of the Labette, 
or of the two branches of the M. K. & T., neither of the latter of which 
was then located, or of the traveling public, perhaps it is too early to 
write with interest. When a hundred years of tradition and myth shall 
have gathered round it, the future historian can write a chapter upon the 
founding of the office which will be read with delight. But as a sober, 
historical fact, and to somewhat curtail the wings of mythology, it may 
be recorded that it was because of the proximity of the site to the conflu- 
ence of the Big and Little Labette that the name Mendota was chosen. 
In the winter of 1869 Mr. Hayes took his goods to a house he had built 
farther south, near Steel's mill, at the junction of the two Labettes ; but 
in the spring he removed back to his old stand. 

In 1870 J. J. Pierson succeeded Mr. Eves as a partner of Mr. Hayes, 
and the firm Hayes & Pierson continued in business at this point until 
November, 1870, when, the town-site of Parsons having been located, 
they moved to a point on the east side of the railroad track, northeast of 
the passenger depot, and just north of where the Belmont House now 
stands. the site. 

Sections 18 and 19 in North township, and 13 and 24 in Walton town- 
ship, formed the body of land selected by the company on which to lay 
out a town. Most of this land was already occupied by actual settlers, 
some of whom had acquired, or could obtain, title, and some of whom 
had only a squatter's right. John Leonard was on the southeast quarter 
of section 19, Abraham Fults on the northeast quarter, John Kendall on 
the northwest (luarter, W. K. Hayes on the north half and Aaron Midkitf 



170 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

on the south half of the southwest quarter of the same section; John 
Davis was on the northeast quarter of section 18, Abraham Carj' on the 
northwest quarter, and Mr. Simpson on the southwest quarter of the same 
section; Anson Kellogg was on the southwest quarter and S. Eves on 
the northeast quarter of section 24 ; Henry F. Baker was on the south- 
east quarter of section 13, and H. L. Partridge on the southwest quarter 
and George Briggs on the northwest quarter of the same section. Some 
of the remainder was claimed by non-residents. Several of these parties 
were unwilling to dispose of their interest, and negotiations to secure 
title were in progress for some time. 

THE SITE SELECTED. 

The first intimation that the public generally had that a town was to 
be located at this point was on October 26, 1870, when L. F. Olney, a 
eivil engineer, got off the train and inquired of some parties at work on 
the ground where the city of Parsons is now built, if they could tell him 
where Parsons was located, saying he had come to lay off a town. Noth- 
ing was done by him for several days excepting to look over the ground 
and make observations. On Sunday, November 6, 1870, C. G. Wait, the 
railroad engineer, located the connection of the Sedalia and Junction City 
branches of the M. K. ct T., and two days later Frye & Pierce, grade 
<3ontractors, broke dirt at this junction. It was known that here was to 
be the railroad town, and, before the survey commenced, in addition to 
two or three business houses which preceded it, on November 11, 1870, 
John Austin had on the ground the first dwelling put thereon, aside from 
those which were there at the time of the location. He put it upon what 
proved to be the northeast corner of Central and Crawford avenues, and 
at once occupied it for a dwelling, and also for keeping boarders. In 
front of this building the next spring he set out some maple trees, which 
were the first trees planted in the place. On these premises Dr. G. W. 
Oabriel has for many years had his home. It was about the middle of 
November when Mr. Olney commenced the survey of the town-site, and 
it was not completed until about the middle of January. 

THE TOWN COMPANY. 

Isaac T. Goodnow, N. S. Goss, F. C. White, O. B. Gunn, Norman East- 
man and Robert S. Stevens were the incorporators of the town company. 
The charter was filed in the office of the Secretary of State October 24, 
1870, and authorized the company to purchase lands and lay off a town 
at and adjacent to section 19, township 31, range 20. The company was 
formed expressly for the purpose of laying off and building a railroad 
town. It was believed that the junction of the two branches of the 
M. K. & T. was the most feasible point for the location of a town, where 
would almost certainly be located the machine-shops and offices. Of 



TOWNS AND CITIES. 171 

course these parties knew the poiut where this junction must be made 
before their incorporation, for not only was section 19 designated in the 
charter as the central point, but their surveyor was on the ground before 
the railroad engineer had actually designated the connecting point. The 
intention being to have a railroad town, of course no more appropriate 
name could have been selected than that of the president of the road, 
who would thereby, if for no other reason, be interested in its support 
and growth. difficulties. 

The town having been located, the company soon encountered difficul- 
ties in acquiring title to as large a body of land as they hoped to secure, 
and we may readily believe that it was for the purpose of influencing 
these parties to make terms that the action of the town company — an 
account of which is given below — was taken, rather than with any seri- 
ous intention of carrying out the determination therein expressed, for no 
steps were taken looking to an abandonment of the site which had been 
selected and partly surveyed; but for some purpose, probably by the 
company's direction, certain resolutions by it adopted were published in 
several papers, and more or less was said through the press on "Parsons 
defunct." 1 will here refer to what appeared in but one paper, although 
the same was copied in the county papers and more or less commented on. 

Near the close of 1870 the following appeared in the Humboldt Union : 

"Neosho Falls, Kax., Dec. 22. 

"Eds. Union: Inclosed you have resolutions passed by the directors 
of Parsons Town Company, and confirmed by the president of the M. K. 
<fe T. Co. You will see that the present town-site of Parsons is aban- 
doned, as the orders are to erect not even a station house there. If j'ou 
think these facts are of sufficient interest to your readers, you are at lib- 
erty to publish the accompanying resolutions. 

Very respectfully, I. T. Goodnow. 

"At a meeting of the board of directors of the Parsons Town Com- 
pany, held at Sedalia, Mo., on the 14th inst., the following resolutions 
were unanimously adopted : 

''^Yllereas, The Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway Company having 
decided to locate its machine-shops and other important buildings else- 
where than at the junction of its ISedalia and Neosho divisions, thus ren- 
dering the building-up of any large town at the junction impracticable: 

''Resolved, That the board of directors of the Parsons Town Company 
hereby abandon all idea of locating or building a town on sections 18 or 
19, in town 31, of range 19 east, or anywhere in the vicinity, the decision 
of said railway company above referred to rendering such action neces- 
sary. 

''Resolved, That the treasurer of said town company is hereby directed 
to sell all lands intended for town-site purposes at such price as he may 
deem fit and proper, at the earliest day practicable. 

R. S. Stevens, President. 

Jno. R. Wheat, Secretary.'''' 



172 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

SALE OF LOTS. 

The difficulties eDcounterecl by the company in acquiring title having 
been overcome, and the plat having been surveyed and placed on record, 
the sale of lots commenced on March 8, 1871. Prior to this time all who 
had located had done so without any written permission or promise ot 
obtaining title, but with the understanding that when the company had 
perfected its arrangements, they would be entitled to procure their lots 
at a reasonable price. There was quite a strife for the honor of being 
the purchaser of the first lot. Colonel Willard Davis was the agent of 
the town company, and Abraham Gary was successful in bringing enough 
influence to bear to get from him the first deed issued by the town com- 
pany. It was for lots 14, 15 and 16 in block 43, where the opera house 
now stands. The other parties on the ground obtained title as fast as 
deeds could be executed and terms agreed on, and from this time on the 
permanency of building and business was assured. 

BUSINESS HOUSES. 

When so many were coming in about the same time, and no records of 
the names when locations were made having been kept, it is difficult to 
speak with certainty as to the precise order in which firms were estab- 
lished, and as to who is entitled to the honor of being the first one to 
open up his line of business in the new town, but the old settlers seem to 
agree substantially upon the following: Sipple Brothers from Dayton 
and Hayes & Pierson from Meudota were on the ground about the same 
time, and there is a difference of opinion as to which was there first. 

Aside from the houses that had been placed by the settlers prior to the 
location of the town, the first house to be put upon the town-site, proba- 
bly, was a store building belonging to William H. and John I. Sipple, 
which they had put up during the summer at Dayton, some five or six 
miles below Parsons, and which they moved on wagons and located upon 
what was afterwards laid off as lots 1, 2, and 3, in block 19, subse- 
quently occupied by the Abbott House. They arrived with their building 
on November 5, 1870, and were the first to open a stock of goods, which 
consisted principally of groceries and provisions. If I am right in as- 
signing Sipple Brothers the first location, then the next store to be opened 
was by Hayes & Pierson, who almost immediately after the arrival of 
Sipple Brothers, if they did not precede them, removed their little frame 
building from where Mr. Hayes had at one time kept store, at Steel's 
mill at the forks of the Labette, as already described, and located it on 
the east side of the railroad track, just about where the Belmont House 
now stands, and opened therein a general stock of merchandise. The 
building afterwards formed a part of the Belmont premises. E. K. Cur- 
rant brought his store building from Dayton and located it upon what 



TOIVNS A. YD CITIES. -^^^2, 



became lot 1 of block 25, on Skiddy, now Washington avenue. He as- 
sociated with him in business Messrs. Cook and Allen, and opened out 
the most extensive stock of general merchandise that was then kept in 
town. Adam Gebert and Abraham Gary located on lot 2, block 2,5, next 
to Mr. Currant, and opened the first hardware store in town. The first 
lumber yard to be started was put in by Melville, Plato & Co. ; and the 
first drugs were sold by T. R. Warren, who came from Leavenworth 
county, and before the close of the year had put up a small building on 
the northwest corner of Washington and Central avenues, and had placed 
therein a stock of drugs. The houses from Dayton had only just arrived 
when those from Ladore, located about the same distance north as Day- 
ton was south, began to make their appearance. It was said that from 
fifty to seventy-five houses were moved from Ladore during the winter. 

BOARDING-HOUSES AND HOTELS. 

At the time of the location of the town, Henry F. Baker was living in 
a log house where the round-house now stands ; and the town was scarcely 
located until John Austin moved his dwelling-house down from Ladore 
and placed it on the northeast corner of Central and Crawford avenues. 
Both of them at once commenced keeping boarders. Mrs. Catharine 
Hurton soon after erected a respectable -looking building, which she 
opened up as a boarding-house. W. P. Squires was on the ground about 
the same time ; Finns Smith had a two-story 24x40 feet building at La- 
dore, which he tore down and brought to Parsons, and erected it on the 
northwest corner of Central and Johnson avenues. The proprietors of 
all of these houses, as well as several parties who only had tents, were 
furnishing board in November, 1870. It was not long until the Parsons 
House was opened up by Knapp, Noyes & Chamberlain. On March 8. 

1871, E. B. Stevens and U. L. C. Beard commenced the erection of the 
Belmont House ; the same month the Lockwood was commenced, and 
finished so as to be opened on the 8th of May. It was not until June 1st, 

1872, that J. C. Karr commenced the construction of the St. James, on 
the northwest corner of Central and Forest avenues. This was a three- 
story brick— one of the finest buildings in the city. Of the numerous other 
houses which followed these I will not attempt to speak, only to mention 
that about 1880 the Abbott House became the principal hotel in the city, 
and thus remained until the Matthewson House was erected, in 1880. 

SALOOXS. 

The saloon-keeper was not long behind anyone else who proposed to 
start business in the new town. John Austin, Wm. Dana, Z. T. Swigert, 
Chas. Hazard, and probably others whose names I have not learned, were 
all on the ground engaged in the sale of liquor in November, 1870. Mr. 



174 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

Hazard moved a two-story building from Ladore and located it on the 
north side of Johnson avenue next to Smith's hotel, which stood on the 
corner. This was the first building moved from Ladore. 

OTHER PIOXEER HOUSES. 

Conrad Hinkle and wife Lena were the first to furnish meat to the new 
comers. For a time they brought it in a wagon, but soon had a general 
meat shop opened. Dr. C. B. Kennedy removed a large livery stable 
from Ladore and located it on what became block 110, where the Catholic 
church is now being constructed. J. Moore had the first furniture store ; 
Fred Walker opened the first blacksmith shop ; and Walker & Thomas 
were the first real-estate agent >. B. Sandercook was the first shoe- 
maker; W. G. Douglas was the first tailor; E. P. Flummer opened the 
first bakery ; A. J. Peabody was the first harness-maker. Most of these 
houses were in operation before the close of 1870, and all of them when 
the sale of lots commenced, in March, 1871. 

PROFESSIONAL, MEN. 

A. L. Hutchison and T. R. Warren were the contestants for the honor 
of being the first physician in town; and of attorney, J. G. Parkhurst, 
T. V. Thornton and E. E. Hastings could hardly tell who was there 
first — but perhaps the race was won by Mr. Parkhurst. 

THE FIRST RELIGIOUS SERVICES. 

The first religious services of a public nature upon what became the 
town-site were held in Abraham Gary's log house on the northwest quar- 
ter of section 18, in North township, in the summer of 1870, conducted 
by A. W. King, of Osage township. Mr. King preached here frequently 
during the summer and fall. John Leonard, who lived on the southeast 
quarter of 19, was a Christian preacher, and sometimes preached in Mr. 
Gary's house after King had commenced holding services. The first ser- 
mon preached in the town proper was over Mr. Hazard's saloon, on De- 
cember 15, 1870, by A. W. King. Rev. H. H. Cambern was the next 
preacher on the ground. No religious exercises of any kind were held 
regularly during the winter of 1870 and 1871. There was no place pro- 
vided for holding such services, and whenever they were held it was in 
some business room temporarily fixed up for the purpose — probably in a 
saloon almost as frequently as in any other room. Of the organization 
and building of the various churches, I speak in another part of the 

work. GOVERNMENT. 

On February 22, 1871, on the petition of Simon Saddler and others, 
the Probate Judge made an order incorporating the town of Parsons, and 
appointed Abraham Gary, E. K. Currant, J. G. Parkhurst, John L Sipple 
aud John W. Rhodus as trustees. Thomas V. Thornton was the first 



TOWNS AND CITIES. 175 

clerk appoiuted by the trustees ; H. L. Partridge was justice of the peace 
in Waltou township at the time of the settlement of Parsons, and be- 
came the first justice of the peace in Parsons. From November 8, 1870, 
to March 8, 1871, he tried seven criminal and twenty-six civil cases. He 
also married the first couple in town, they being Z. T. Swigert and Jo- 
sephine E. Parker. 

The town was organized as a city of the third class, and on April 17, 
1871, the first city election was held, at which the following officers were 
elected: Mayor, Willard Davis; police judge, H. L. Partridge; council- 
men, Abraham Gary, William Dana, Charles Watson, S. B. Plato, and 
John W. Rhodus. The first meeting of the mayor and council was held 
April 28, 1871. On organizing, G. C. West was appointed city clerk. 
The city having attained a population of over 2,000 inhabitants, the evi- 
dence of which was furnished by a census taken by order of the city 
conncil, the Governor issued his proclamation, dated February 25, 1873, 
declaring Parsons a city of the second class. 

Since the organization of the city it has had the following mayors and 
clerks : 

Mayors. — April 17 to November 22, 1871, Willard Davis; November 
22, 1871, to April, 1874, E. B. Stevens ; April, 1874, to April, 1875, 
Angell Matthewson; April, 1875, to April, 1877, G. W. Gabriel; April, 
1877, to April, 1879, P. Y. Thomas; April, 1879, to April, 1881, J. W. 
Thompson; April, 1881, to April, 1885, G. W. Gabriel; April, 1885, to 
April, 1887, A. O. Brown ; April, 1887, to April, 1889, G. W. Gabriel ; 

April, 1889, to April, 1891, A. F. Neely ; April, 1891, to , J. M. 

Gregory. 

Clerks. — April to November 22, 1871, G. C. West; November 22, 
1871, to April, 1872, H. L. Partridge; April, 1872, to April, 1873, Edgar 
E. Hastings; April, 1873, to April, 1875, G. W. Hawk; April, 1875, to 
April, 1876, A. M. Fellows; April, 1876, to March, 1877, Frank L. Gage; 
March, 1877, to April, 1878, E. S. Stevens; April, 1878, to April, 1882, 
A. A. Osgood; April, 1882, to April, 1S83, R. T. Halloway; April, 1883, 
to October, 1884, Ira F. Adams ; October, 1884, to May, 1885, Will W. 
Frye; May, 1885, to April, 1887, N. F. Mills; April, 1887, to April, 1889, 
Mrs. Mary S. Outland ; April, 1889, to April, 1891, R. D. Talbot; April, 
1891, to , A. H. Tyler. 

LITERARY, MUSICAL, ETC. 

On November 2, 1871, a meeting was held which decided upon organ- 
izing a literary society and library association. On the 8th of the same 
mouth the organization was completed by electing W. H. Maxwell presi- 
dent and A. B. Truman secretary. During the winter literary exercises 
were maintained, participated in by the leading men of the town. On 



176 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

December 29th the library received its first douation of books, amounting 
to twenty-two volumes, and during the next few weeks several other 
donations were made of a like character. On October 26, 1872, the asso- 
ciation held its first annual meeting, and reelected W. K. Maxwell presi- 
dent, and elected E. B. Stevens vice-president, and James Wells, jr., 
secretary. This seems to have ended the efforts at that time for the es- 
tablishment and maintenance of a library. 

In the summer of 1879 a new lyceum was organized, and Rev. P. M. 
Griffin elected president. Literary exercises were conducted by it for 
some months. library associatiox. 

In 1877 Mrs. Ella B. Wilson, Mrs. Kate Grimes and Mrs. Polly L. Cory 
secured the formation of a library association. In this association they 
remained, as I am informed, the controlling spirits, Mrs. Wilson taking 
the principal part in its management. She traveled over a large part of 
the United States, soliciting funds for the erection of a building, as well 
as books and works of art for the foundation of a library. Large sums 
of money were contributed, and very fine donations of books, statuary 
and other articles of interest and value were gathered. Practically it 
was a gift of the country generally to Parsons at the earnest solicitation 
of one woman. With the funds thus contributed as a basis of operation, 
a site was secured on the southeast corner of Forest avenue and Nine- 
teenth street, on lots 14, 15 and 16, in block 53, and the erection thereon 
of the building started. A loan of ^10,000 was procured, and the lots 
and building mortgaged to secure the payment of the same. A very fine 
three-story building was erected and finished, which, on December 25, 
1883, was formally opened by appropriate exercises, among which was 
an address by Governor Glick. 

In the second story of this building were placed the books and works 
of art which had been contributed, and it was believed the hardest part 
of the work was then accomplished of securing a large, prosperous and 
permanent library. But times changed ; contributions of money did not 
come in ; there was no means provided for paying the indebtedness con- 
tracted in the erection of the building ; the mortgage was foreclosed, the 
property sold, and the seeming bright prospect for a great library van- 
ished from sight. ^^^^ association. 

On January 24, 1872, the attorneys in town established a bar associa- 
tion, and for some weeks thereafter had public lectures from its members 
on different phases of law. 

THE PIONEER ASSOCIATION 

Was organized in the Sun office, March 8, 1872. Dr. T. R. Warren was 
the first president. 



TOWNS AND CITIES. 177 

ALPHA LITERARY SOCIETY. 

Ou November 17, 1880, a number of ladies met at the home of Mrs. 
T. P. Atchison, and organized a society under the name given above. 
The following officers were elected : Mrs. David Kelso, president : Mrs. 
M. F. Stevens, secretary ; Mrs. W. H. Wagoner, treasurer. The society 
has maintained a continuous existence, and has done a great amount of 
literary work. 

MACAULAY CLUB. 

This society was organized December 8, 1881. Miss Phrone Emery 
was its first president, and Mrs. Jennie Davis secretary. It was at first 
called the Young Ladies' Reading Society, but in September, 1885, was 
named the Macaulay Club. Since then it has been an active factor in 
the literary work of Parsons. 

ATHENEUM READING CIRCLE. 

The existence of this circle dates from the spring of 1883, when five 
ladies began reading together without any formal organization. Ou Octo- 
ber 24th of that year a number of new members were admitted to the 
circle, a formal organization was had, and the following officers elected : 
Mrs. Wells H. Utley, president; Mrs. B. B. Brown, vice-president, and 
Miss Emma June secretary and treasurer. The active membership is 
limited to 16. Its object is purely literary. 

BANKS. 

Banking House of Angell Matthewson. — On June 6, 1871, S. P. 
Crawford and Angell Matthewson, of Parsons, and W. P. Bishop, of Os- 
wego, formed a partnership, and on June 19th opened the bank of Craw- 
ford, Matthewson & Co. The first depositor was Oliver Duck ; the first 
draft was issued to Currant, Cook & Allen. On July 31st Mr. Matthew- 
son purchased the interest of the other two partners, and the business 
continued under the name of the Banking House of Angell Matthewson. 

First National Bank. — On April 8, 1873, Matthewsou's Bank was 
succeeded by the First National Bank, of which A. D. Jaynes, of Sedalia, 
Mo., was president, and Angell Matthewson cashier. This bank had a 
paid-up capital of ^.50,000, and started with over S37,000 in deposits 
turned over to it by Matthewson's bank. On January 19, 1875, R. S. 
Stevens succeeded Mr. Jaynes as president. During January and Feb- 
ruary, 1877, while Mr. Matthewson was in the Senate, George W. Hawk, 
the teller, performed the duties of cashier. January 1, 1879, Lee Clark 
succeeded Mr. Matthewson as cashier, and held the position until Octo- 
ber, 1890, when he became president, F. C. Stevens having been president 
immediately preceding him. E. B. Stevens became cashier on July 1, 
1890, and still retains the position. 
-12 



178 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

The Parsons Savings Bank was organized iu May, 1874, with Au- 
gustus Wilson president and Joshua Hill cashier ; having a paid-up capital 
of $50,000. The first draft was issued to A. W. Gifford. On July 1, 
18t8, this bank was reorganized as 

The Parsons Commercial Bank, of which Joshua Hill was presi- 
dent and George W. Hawk cashier. The latter has continued to fill the 
position of cashier ever since. For several years past E. H. Edwards has 
been president of the bank. It has long been one of the established in- 
stitutions of the city. 

City Bank of Angell Matthewsox &. Co. — This bank was or- 
ganized May 1, 1879, with a capital of $20,000; Angell Matthewson and 
Merrit Noyes being the owners. On October 1, 1880, F. H. Snyder was 
admitted to the partnership and made cashier. Mr. Noyes died iu 1883, 
and in November, 1884, Wm. H. Taylor was admitted to the partnership 
and the capital stock made $60,000, which was increased to 8100,000 
on February 1, 1888. L. E. Weeks was appointed cashier September 1, 
building and loan association. 

On July 14, 1879, the Parsons Building and Loan Association was or- 
ganized, of which C. A. King was president and J. G. Gray secretary. 

SANITARY. 

During the early part of 1884 much complaint had been made about 
the condition in which the private and public premises, as well as many 
of the private alleys and yards, were kept, and the Eclipse was especially 
vigilant in looking after and giving publicity to these grievances. In 
July of that year the mayor and council appointed J. B. Lamb health 
officer. It was thought by some that this appointment was made rather 
as a burlesque in retaliation for the frequent appeals to the authorities 
to do a general cleaning-up ; but whatever was the spirit that prompted 
the move, it turned out to be a very wise one. The Doctor went at the 
work vigorously, and did good work in securing the cleaniug-up of the 
filth which had been allowed to accumulate, and probably saved the 
place a great amount of sickness. The work thus commenced showed 
the advisability of having some permanent arrangement for removal of 
filth and the preservation of the public health. 

sewerage. 

In 1885 steps were taken to put in a system of sewerage, and this was 
pushed forward until the business part of the city was well supplied with 
means for the removal of all filth and the carrying away of the waste 
water. 

WATER WORKS. 

During the summer of 1882 the matter of supplying the city with water 
was discussed, and a company was formed for the purpose of carrying 



TOIV.VS AND CITIES. 179 

out the contemplated project. On September 15th, by an almost unani- 
mous vote of the electors, the city gave its assent and promised aid. 
During the following year the works were put in under the general direc- 
tion of C. W. Hill, but it was not until July, 1884, that they were com- 
pleted and accepted by the city. Reservoirs were made upon the banks 
of the Labette some distance above the city, from which stream the water 
was procured. The city paid i$3,000 per year for fifty hydrants. Soon 
after the completion of the works, C. H. Kimball and E. H. Edwards 
became the principal owners of the stock of the company and had the 
general management of its business. The operation of the works under 
the original construction never gave general satisfaction, and they were 
believed to be far inadequate to meet the city's needs. Early in 1893 
steps were taken to secure a better supply by obtaining water from the 
Neosho instead of from the Labette. Mains were laid from the Neosho 
to the old reservoirs on the Labette and into the city. A new stand-pipe, 
one of the largest in the State, was erected in the city, and under the 
present arrangements the water system is very complete. 

GAS. 

On December 11, 1882, the city council passed an ordinance giving an 
exclusive franchise for tw^enty-one years to Angell Matthewson to con- 
struct and operate gas works. The franchise was assigned to the Parsons 
Light and Heat Company, and in 1883 the works were completed, since 
which time those who desired it have been supplied with gas. 

ELECTKIC LIGHTS. 

On May 25, 1887, an ordinance was passed authorizing J. J. Everning- 
ham to erect electric works in the city of Parsons, and within a mouth 
thereafter this franchise was transferred to the Parsons Light and Heat 
Company, which was operating the gas plant. A system of arc lights 
was at once put in, and put in operation on September 25th. In the 
summer of 1892 the incandescent system of lights was added, and the 
capacity of the plant much enlarged. 

TELEPHOXE. 

In 1882 a system of telephones was put in providing for communication 
in the various parts of the city, and also a line was built connecting the 
city with Oswego ; and on July 20th of that year Mayors Gabriel and 
Condon exchanged congratulations. The line between Parsons and Os- 
wego was not maintained for any great length of time, nor was the city 
system very largely used after a few months of trial. 

STREET IMPROVEMENTS. 

One of the wisest investments made by the city in the way of improve- 
ment was that of building sidewalks and macadamizing its streets. The 



180 HISTORY OF LABETl E COUNTY. 

work of macadamizing commenced in 1878, and was gradually pushed 
forward for the next two or three years, until the streets in the principal 
business part of town were all macadamized, and good sidewalks have 
been laid in nearly all of the streets that have any large amount of travel. 

STONE AND BRICK BUILDINGS. 

The first building to be erected of material other than wood was put 
up early In 1871, on block 25, on the north side of Johnson avenue, by 
Ed. Foley. It was constructed out of cut sandstone, and made a very 
creditable appearance. The first brick buildings in town were erected 
in 1873. They were the passenger depot, the First National Bank build- 
ing, the St. James Hotel on the corner north from the First National 
Bank, and the second ward school-house. The same year two or three 
brick business houses were put up — one by W. C. Calkins, on lots 13 
and 14, block 33, and one by A. Royer, on lot 1, block 34. During this 
year T. C. Cory tore down his brick residence at Ladore and rebuilt it 
on the southeast quarter of section 24. This was the first brick residence 
in town. fires. 

On October 7, 1871, the 8un published an article advising the people 
to turn out the first still day and burn around the town to protect it from 
fires. I do not know whether or not this advice was heeded, but it seems 
that no damage resulted from fire from that quarter. 

During the history of the city there have been several quite extensive 
fires, but none that were at all destructive; in fact, most of them, in the 
business part of the city, while they may have damaged individuals, were 
a public benefit so far as the city was concerned, for it secured in the 
place of the buildings destroyed, others of a very much better quality. 
One of the first, if not the first fire in town to do any large amount of 
damage, was the burning of John Rhodus's boarding-house. On July 29, 
1875, a fire occurred on Fourth avenue which destroyed nine business 
houses. The loss by this fire was estimated to be from 875, 000 to $100, 000. 
On December 26, 1875, the Lockwood House was burned ; and ou May 23, 
1883, the City Hotel, which was one of the original hotels. Among the 
losses that have occurred from fire have been several of the mills and 
factories; one of the largest of which was on August 1, 1892, being the 
destruction of the National Mills. A number of other quite extensive 
fires have taken place at various times, the particulars of which I have 
not learned. machine-shops. 

Of all the enterprises which have contributed to the prosperity of Par- 
sons, none have approached that of the railroad influence, and especially 
the machine-shops thereof. Work on the machiue-shops commenced in 
October, 1871, and by the close of 1872 they were completed and ready 
for operation. The round-house was not completed until May, 1873. 



EDUCATIONAL. 



PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

THE FIRST SCHOOL IN THE COUNTY. 

An accoimt of the first school in the coimty, while not a public school, 
is still necessary for a history of our educational growth. Of this school 
I will let ove of its founders, Dr. George Lisle, give the account, which 
is as follows : 

"On or about the middle of May, 1858, James Childers, George Walker, 
William Blythe, Larkin McGhee, Benjamin Todd, Millard Rogers, John 
McMurtrie, James Hethriugtou and myself got together and concluded 
to build a school-house that would be large enough to have preaching in 
as often as we could get the preacher. A committee was appointed to 
select a site and fix upon size of house and call the people together to 
approve the same. The next Saturday was appointed, and everybody 
turned out and agreed to build it at a small spring iu a branch one and 
one-half miles south of where Chetopa now stands. The people agreed 
to meet and go to work on Monday morning, which they did with such 
success that by Saturday night they had a house 22 by 24 feet square, 
floored with puncheons, seated and desked with the same, covered and 
lined with split and shaved clapboards ; door and window fastenings 
were of boards cut with a whip-saw ; and on Sunday it was dedicated in 
order. On Monday, Joseph C. Henry commenced a school by the mouth, 
which he kept up almost one year ; then Jetf . Jackson taught one term 
of three months; Pleasant McGhee taught one term; and Helen Hardin 
was teaching when the war broke out and ended our school, but not its 
effects." 

The history of the public schools of the county commences with the 
election of Dr. John F. Newlon as County Superintendent of Public In- 
struction, at the first election, held on April 32d, 1867. How soon after 
his election he commenced work I have no means of knowing, but a 
number of the school districts must have been formed early in May of 
that year, for as early as June 1st we find the residents of one of the 
districts petitioning for a change of boundary. On account of the imper- 
fection of our records as originally made, and of the entire loss of some 
of them, 1 am unable to speak with absolute definiteness in reference to 
the organization and history of many of the districts. Just how many 
districts were organized during Dr. Xewlon's term of office I cannot say 
positively, and yet I may say with a reasonable degree of certainty that 

(181) 



182 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

twenty is the iiiuiiber. From the appearance ot the records the number 
cannot have exceeded twenty-one or twenty-two, 1 think, and there is 
nothing showing clearly, nor hardly intimating anything beyond twenty. 
The order for the organization of District 20 appears in Dr. Newlon's 
own writing. This cannot be said of any subsequent number so far as 
the records now show. It is quite likely some of these first twenty dis- 
tricts had scarcely any existence aside from on paper. Most of them, 
however, were at once organized and steps taken for the establishment of 
schools. The county having just been organized, there was of course no 
public money, nor any public schools before the fall of 1867, and I can 
learn of but two private schools having been taught that year, viz., one 
in Oswego District, No. 1, and one in District No. 2. However, levies 
for school purposes were made that summer and taxes collected the fol- 
lowing fall and winter, and from this time on the public schools w^ere 
regularly held for a greater or less length of time in most of the districts. 
In the Jacksonville district, No. 11, only a part of which was in this 
county, a public school was taught in the summer of 1867; that school 
was not in this county, although as a joint district, report of the school 
was made to our County Superintendent, as well as to the Superintend- 
ent of Neosho county. 

OSWEGO DISTKICT, NO. 1. 

All of Oswego township lying west and south of the Neosho river, ex- 
cepting the two southern tiers of sections, was, by the first order made 
by Supt. Newlon, formed into School District No. 1. In June, 1867, 
Mrs. Augusta Herbaugh commenced teaching the first school in the dis- 
trict. It was of course a private school, no public funds having yet been 
raised with which to employ a teacher. She taught in a small log build- 
ing with dirt fioor, situated near the northeast corner of section 21. The 
first officers elected were: T. J. Flouronoy, director; Henry Jacobs, 
clerk; and J. Q. Cowell, treasurer. The first report of the district is 
dated August 14, 1867, and signed by H. Jacobs, clerk, and shows 30 
male and 39 female children in the district, 17 males and 15 females 
having attended the private school taught by Mrs. Augusta Herbaugh at 
$2.50 per scholar, which commenced on the 24th of June. At that time 
there was standing on lot 1, block 33, now occupied by Mr. Symmes's 
drug store, a small frame building, in which most of the meetings, both 
religious and secular, were held. The board secured the use of this 
building for school purposes, and by a "bee" slabs were furnished with 
legs, and thus seats were provided ; and in this room thus furnished, 
about the first of November, 1867, R. J. Elliott commenced teaching the 
first public school in the district, aud one of the first, if not the very first, 
ill the county. Public schools were taught that winter in several dis- 



ED UCA TIONAL. 1 S 3 



tricts, but there are no records showing which w'as commenced first. 
Mr. Elliott's school continued for three months. There was no further 
school taught until the next fall. The second report is dated September 
14, 1868, signed by J. F. Waskey, clerk, and shows a total enumeration 
of 176 children in the district, 77 of whom had attended a three-months 
school, taught by R. J. Elliott at a salary of ^50 per month, the average 
attendance being 41. On March 26, 1868, the following were elected: 
E. Hammer, director; J. F. Waskey, clerk; A. L. Austin, treasurer. 
On February 9, 1869, Mr. Waskey resigned, and W. S. Newlon was ap- 
pointed clerk in his place. During the summer of 1868 a subscription 
was taken up among the business men of the place, and a frame building 
was erected on the southeast corner of block 39, designed for public 
meetings as well as for school and church purposes. The only seats with 
which this building was furnished were rough slabs. In this building, 
in December, 1868, Rev. Cornelius Y. Moufort and Miss Sallie Elliott 
commenced a term of school. Mr. Monfort was not especially adapted 
to public-school teaching, and at the expiration of two or three months 
found it advisable to give up his employment, and R. J. Elliott was again 
placed in charge of the school in connection with his sister Sallie. On 
March 10, 1869, on a vote of the district to issue 85,000 in bonds to build 
a new school-house, there were 84 votes for and 8 against the proposition. 
The board elected on March 25, 1869, consisted of W. S. Xewlon, director ; 
George C. Sarvis, clerk; and R. W. Wright, treasurer. These officers 
had charge of the construction of the new school-house. Dr. Wright 
took the bonds to Leavenworth, where he negotiated them and secured 
funds for paying for the building as it was erected. The town company 
donated the west half of block 16, on w^hich, during the summer of 1869, 
a two-story stone building was erected, containing four good school-rooms 
capable of seating fifty pupils each. The building was furnished through- 
out with patent seats and desks. In this building, late in the fall of 1869, 
a school was opened, with George C. Sarvis principal. Miss Louisa M. 
Allen teacher of the intermediate and Miss Sallie Elliott teacher of the 
primary department. On September 14, 1869, George C. Sarvis, clerk, 
reported a total enrollment of 350, of whom 123 had been in school the 
preceding year; the average attendance being 98. In March, 1870, 
Henry Tibbits was elected director, J. F. Waskey clerk, and R. W. 
Wright treasurer. Mr. Waskey failed to qualify, and George C. Sarvis 
was appointed to fill the vacancy. With the opening of the school year 
in the fall of 1870, David Donovan was emplojed as principal, in which 
position he was continued for three years. In 1871 the board consisted 
of W. S. Newlon, director ; A. B. Close, clerk ; C. M. Condon, treasurer. 
In the spring of 1872 Nelson Case succeeded Mr. Close as clerk; Dr. 



184 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

Newlon remained as director and Mr. Condon as treasurer, and the board 
as thus composed remained in office until the organization of the board of 
education in 1873. In April, 1873, at the city election the following per- 
sons were chosen members of the board of education : First ward, Henry 
Tibbits, Joseph Nelson; second ward, Mrs. Mary B. Franklin, J. W. 
Miuturn ; third w^ard, Mrs. Mary E. Case and Alexander Mackie. Some 
of these parties not desiring to serve, it was concluded not to organize 
the board of education, and the school continued under the charge of the 
district board as formerly elected. At the April election in 1873 a board 
of education was elected, consisting of Joseph Nelson and H. P. Nelson 
from the first ward, G. C. Sarvis and Dr. S. P. Hurbut from the second 
ward, and H. W. Barnes and R. J. Elliott from the third ward. The 
board organized by electing Mr. Nelson president and Mr. Sarvis clerk ; 
Nelson Case was elected superintendent of schools. Until the fall of 
1883 the plan of the board was to have the teacher of the high school the 
principal of the school, and to employ a superintendent who was to have 
the general direction of school affairs, but who was not on the teaching 
force. Under this plan the superintendents were Nelson Case, Mary A. 
Higby, W. S. Newlon, W. A. Starr, F. H. Atchinson, D. H. Mays, and 
M. Chidester. During this time the principals of the school were : April, 
1873, David Donovan, who resigned at the end of the month, and Mrs. 

E. Williams was put in charge until the close of the school ; 1873-76, 
A. C. Baker, three years; 1876-78, J. B. Hoover, two years; 1878-79, 
Mi'S. J. R. Boulter, one year; 1879-81, A. C. Baker, two years; 1881-83, 
O. R. Bellamy, two years. Commencing with the fall of 1883 the super- 
intendent of schools has been one of the teachers ; sometimes he has 
also been principal of the high school, and sometimes there has been a 
separate principal of the high school. Under this arrangement the su- 
perintendents have been : 1883-86, M. Chidester, three years ; 1886-90, 
J. W. Weltner, four years ; 1890-91, Evelyn B. Baldwin, one year; 1891- 
92, H. C. Long, two years. Presidents of the board : 1873, Joseph Nel- 
son; 1874, H. W. Banes; 1875, Nelson Case; 1876-77, John A. Pigg; 
1878-79, R. W. Wright; 1880-83, Nelson Case; 1884-88, J. B. Mont- 
gomery; 1889-90, Nelson Case; 1891, J. B. Montgomery; 1893, David 
Jennings. Clerks of the board : 1873, George C. Sarvis; 1874, John W. 
Montfort; 1875, J. W. Montfort and R. J. Elliott; 1876, C. A. Wilkin; 
1877, John S. Read and Charles H. Willhalf ; 1878, J. C. Boulter; 1879, 

F. C. Helsel; 1880, N. Sanford and F. H. Atchinson; 1881-83, William 
Houck ; 1883, F. H. Atchinson ; 1884-85, John F. Hill ; 1886-92, A. T. 
Dickerman. At the close of school in April, 18S4, the first graduating^ 
class went out, consisting of Eunice Crane, Samuel Carpenter, D. S. 
Waskey, and Merrit C. Reed. The graduates now number 54 ; of this 



ED UCA TIONA L. 185 



uumber, one, John Ford, was a colored boy. For some time prior to 
1882 the stone school-house was entirely insufficient to seat the pupils of 
the district, and rooms had to be secured in such places as they could be 
had. Of course very inferior accommodations could be provided in this 
way. During 1880 and 1881 the board submitted several propositions to 
the electors for the issuance of bonds for a new school-house, which were 
voted down. In his annual report in 1881, and again in 1882, the presi- 
dent of the board urged the erection of a new house, and on June 6, 1882, 
a proposition to issue S12,000 in bonds was carried. With this the north 
half and the central part of the south half of block 4, in Cowell's ad- 
dition, was secured for a site, on which the west school building was 
erected during the summer and fall, and in January, 1883, was occupied 
for school purposes. In 1886 the old stone school-house was torn down 
and a new brick erected on the same site, at a cost of |6,000. 

Ladies' Educational Association. — June 16, 1871, at the close of the 
county teachers' association the ladies of Oswego formed an educational 
association, of which Mrs. Mary E. Perkins was elected president and 
Mrs. Amy B. Howard secretary. On June 15, 1872, they held their first 
annual meeting, and elected Mrs. M. E. Donovan president and Mrs. E. 
Williams secretary. At the annual election of 1873 Mrs. M. E. Donovan 
was re-elected president, Mrs. E. Williams secretary, Mrs. A. M. Taylor 
treasurer. The association was maintained for several years, and did a 
great amount of good. Through their exertions the school-house grounds 
were fenced, the trees which now adorn the east school-house yard were 
planted under their superintendency, the city authorities were induced to 
assist in securing sidewalks leading to the school-house, and in many 
ways their influence on the school was felt for good. 

STICE DISTRICT, XO. 2. 

The original order for the formation of District No. 2 is now on file, 
and shows that it was located in the southeast corner of Oswego town- 
ship. The first report of the district is dated August 9th, 1867, signed by 
William F. Mason, clerk, showing 46 children in the district, 26 being in 
attendance on a private school taught by Mrs, Sarah Braught, wife of 
Cloyd G. Braught. Mrs. Braught taught in their own cabin, situated on 
section 34, in Oswego township. John W. Burgess, clerk, makes two re- 
ports, one dated September 14th, 1868, showing 55 children in the district, 
33 having attended a three-months school taught by W. Leonard at $25 
per month ; the average daily attendance being 16. O. Whitney was 
clerk in 1869, and shows by report that Mary E. Biggs had taught a three- 
months school the preceding season at 825 per month. 



186 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

GORE (or martin) DISTRICT, NO. 3. 

The origiDal order for the organizatioii of District No. 3 is not among 
the public records; but on June 1st, 1S67, a petition of a number of the 
residents of that district living in Richland township, north of the La- 
bette and west of the Neosho river, petitioned for a change of boundary 
so that it should include all of the township lying north of Labette creek, 
and west from the Neosho as far as and including a part of sections 17, 
8 and 5, which petition Superintendent Newlon granted. The report of 
the district for 1867 has evidently been torn and mutilated, so that at 
present no information can be gathered therefrom. The fii'st report we 
have is dated November 9th, 1868, signed by M. J. Lee, clerk, showing 
25 males and 20 female children in the district, and that a school had 
been taught by Cass Steel. Mr. Lee again reports as clerk, in 1869; the 
report shows a three-months school having been tanght by Miss Lizzie 
Kingsbury, with an average daily attendance of 22, at a salary of ^25 per 
month. On June 12th, 1869, a special meeting was held, at which 16 
votes were cast, all in favor of issuing $^350 in bonds with which to build 
a school-house. With this money the district purchased a frame store 
building which L. D. Bovee had put up for Mr. Smith at the old town of 
Labette, and moved it out to the Oswego and Chetopa road. This build- 
ing has served the district as a school-house ever since. 

CHETOPA DISTRICT, NO. 4. 

All of the original records w^e have in reference to the formation of the 
early districts in the county are on slips of paper. There is no record 
whatever now on file of the formation of any district in the county num- 
bered 4 ; but the original records describing District No. 5 completely fit 
the territory which has ever since been recognized as District No. 4, and 
the description of District No. 6 fits the territory which was thereafter 
recognized as District 5 ; and as there is little or no record of any business 
in District 6 prior to the establishment of such a district in 1872, it may 
be fairly inferred that the Superintendent in writing out these orders 
made a mistake in numbering them, leaving out 4 entirely. I shall as- 
sume that the original order for the establishment of District No. 5 was 
intended for and was thereafter uniformly applied to District 4. It em- 
braced two miles in width on the east line of the county, extending from 
Labette creek on the north to the State line on the south. We have no 
record showing who composed the first board of this district, but the first 
report is dated August 14th, 1867, and is signed by Henry Shannon. The 
only thing the report shows is that there are in the district 20 males and 
16 females of school age. We have then this negative testimony that no 
school was taught in this district prior to that time. During 1868 the 
school board consisted of William Craft, director; Daniel J. Doolen, 



EDUCATIONAL. 



187 



clerk; Z. A. Woodarcl, treasurer. The report dated August 29th, 1868, 
shows the school population to be 137, and that a three-months school of 
26 males and 29 females, and a total average daily attendance of 30, had 
been taught by Miss Ellen Craft at a salary of S25 per month. During the 
winter of 1868-9 a school with two departments was taught; one by Mrs. 
Abigail Horner, and the other by Miss Ellen Craft. No school building 
had yet been erected, but early in 1869 a contract was made for the erec- 
tion of a school building. At the election on March 25th, 1869, the fol- 
lowing officers were elected : J. L. Taft, director ; John W. Horner, clerk; 
C. P. Spaulding, treasurer. On December 5th. 1869, the schools were 
opened in Spaulding s Hall, in charge of Newton Bowles and his daugh- 
ter, Miss Eva Bowles. On February 3d, 1870, the new frame school-house 
having been completed, it was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies. 
On the 7th of the same month the schools were opened in this new build- 
ing, which even then was found to be too small to accommodate the 
children who were ready to attend. At the election in the spring of 1870 
N. S. Storrs was elected director, J. W. Horner clerk, and J. L. Taft 
treasurer. During the summer Mr. Storrs resigned and Jonas Clark was 
appointed in his place. J. J. McBride was appointed principal of the 
schools for the following year, but in January resigned, and for a time 
Miss M. L. Ela, who had been one of the assistant teachers, was put in 
charge, but in March she resigned, and Mr. Griswold was elected princi- 
pal. At the district election in 1871, Jonas Clark was elected diiector, 
C. H. McCreery clerk, J. L. Taft treasurer. The city having been organ- 
ized into a city of the second class about this time, on March 29th, 1871, 
Mayor Fox assumed, with the assent of the council, to organize the board 
of education, and appointed as members thereof the following: Jonas 
Clark, Dr. John Birch, C. F. Smith, and Eev. C. H. McCreery. On May 
1st these parties met as the board of education and proceeded to organize 
by electing Mr. Clark as president, Mr. Birch vice-president, Mr. Mc- 
Creery clerk, and Mr. Smith treasurer; they then appointed J. M. Cava- 
ness superintendent of schools. In September, 1871, the schools were 
opened under the superintendency of Edward Mason. On June 10th, 
1872, by a vote of 147 for to 54 against, it was decided to issue $25,000 in 
bonds to build a new school-house. In due course of time preparations 
for building were made. The board pushed forward the work as rapidly 
as possible. The building was completed and dedicated on July 4th, 1873, 
and was at that time the finest school-house in the county. A separate 
building was then erected for colored children. The first graduating class 
consisted of Nellie McGinley, Allie Horner, Jessie Sellman, and Harry 
W. Sterling. This class went out in 1873. In all, there are now fifty- 
eight graduates. J. M. Cavaness, C. H. McCreery, J. Paulsen and J. D. 



188 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

Graham at various times have acted as city superintendent. In recent 
years the principals of the high school have also beeu superintendents. 
The principals, term commencing in the fall of the year named, have 
been : 1871, Edward M. Mason ; 1872, L. J. VanLandingham ; 1873, J. W. 
Horner; 1874, P. Fales ; 1875, J. A. R. Smith; 187G, Buel T. Davis; 
1877-78, Robert Hay; 1879, L. J. VanLandingham ; 1880, O. V. Hays; 
1881-84, J. W. Weltner ; 1885, J. W. Weltner and W. W. Lindsey ; 1886, 
Buel T. Davis; 1887-88, S. D. Crane; 1889-91, E. A. Herod; 1892, Clay 
D. Herod. Presidents: 1871, Jonas Clark ; 1872, Dr. John Burch; 1873, 
J. M. Bannan; 1874, L. J. VanLandingham; 1875, F. A. Hunter; 1876, 
William Alexander; 1877, L. J. VanLandingham ; 1878, C. H. Guntler; 
1879-82, Lewis Williams; 1883-85, J. C. Witt; 1886-87, G. D. Boon; 
1888, G. W. McEweu; 1889, G. D. Boon; 1890, B. F. Danforth ; 1891, 
J. C. Witt; 1892, Mrs. C. N. Bush. Clerks : 1871, C. H. McCreery; 1872, 
J. M. Bannan; 1873, C. H. Ludlow; 1874, C. Humble; 1875, L. J. Van 
Landingham; 1876-77, C. Humble; 1878, C. M. Williams; 1879-80, N. S. 
Van Ausdale; 1881, A. G. Drake and L. M. Bedell; 1882-89, A. G. 
Drake; 1890-92, G. W. McEwen. 

WATSON DISTJMCT, NO. 5. 

As I said in describing District No. 4, I must assume that the superin- 
tendent in preparing the records which have come down to us made a 
mistake in numbering these districts, as the description of what he has 
numbered 5 applies to the district which was thereafter designated 4, and 
the district he has numbered 6 applies to that which was thereafter acted 
upon as 5. The original order for the formation of District 5, as num- 
bered on said order, made it to embrace the east part of Richland town- 
ship, including the town of Chetopa; but all subsequent proceedings 
make it evident that that order was intended to be for District 4, or at 
least that it was thereafter acted upon as No. 4. As I have before as- 
sumed that the order by the superintendent numbered 5 was intended for 
4, so I must assume that the order for the formation of District 6 was 
intended to be, as it was thereafter regularly recognized. District 5. It 
commenced at the northwest corner of section 1, in Hackberry township, 
and extended south to the State line; thence east three miles; thence 
north to the Labette river; thence up said stream to the place of begin- 
ning. This seems to leave the middle tier of sections running north and 
south in Richland township out of either school district. Perhaps the 
Superintendent's intention was to put District 6 in Hackberry township, 
and after running south to the State line, instead of running east, he 
should have made his order read, "thence running west." Or it may be 
that at that time, in some way, Districts 4, 5 and 6 were understood to 
embrace all of Richland township south of Labette creek, notwithstand- 



ED UCA T ZONAL. 189 



iug the imperfect description Id the orders forming them. But that the 
west part of Richland township was organized District 5, rather than 
District 6, is made clear by a petition which was presented sometime 
during Mr. Newlon's administration, although the date is not given, where- 
in Moses Powers, John Kenney, William Shay, John N. Watson, S. R. 
South wick and a number of others represented themselves as being resi- 
dents of District 5, and asked that the district might be made to com- 
mence at the southwest corner of said township, which would be, as then 
constituted, the southwest corner of section 31, and to extend three miles 
east and three miles north. William Shay was the first director, S. R. 
Southwick the first clerk, and John Kinney the first treasurer of this dis- 
trict. The first report is dated September 5, 1867, and shows 39 children 
of school age in the district. No public school was taught in the district 
until the fall of 1868. The clerk's report, dated September 12, 1868, 
shows 51 children of school age, and that Matilda Quinby had taught a 
three-months subscription school, with an attendance of 11 males and 13 
females. The next winter S. R. Southwick taught a three-months school 
at 835 per month, and in the spring Miss Frankie Hull taught a three- 
months school at $25 per month. The first school was taught in David 
Wagoner's vacant house on the southwest quarter of section 18. The 
first school meeting was held on the open prairie of John N. AVatson's 
claim, on the northwest quarter of section 29. It was there agreed that 
each person should bring in a few logs, and that they would put up a 
log school-house. This project was not carried out, and in the spring of 
1869 they put up a frame house. D. U. Watson is credited with having 
been present at every school meeting that has ever been held in the dis- 



trict. 



BLACKFORD DISTRICT, NO. 6. 



What I have said in speaking of Districts 4 and 5 may be referred to at 
this place for a fuller statement in reference to this district. Aside from 
the order granting District 6, which I have heretofore assumed to be in- 
tended for a description of District 5, I find only these matters of record 
which would indicate that at any time there was any district designated 
as No. 6 prior to 1872. There is a report dated August 15th, 1867, signed 
by J. B. Huntly, clerk, which he represents to be a report for District 4, 
but at the bottom, evidently in the handwriting of the Superintendent, it 
is marked District 6, and is said to be in Oswego township ; and in May, 
1871, by the notices of election returns, it seems that Stanley Foland was 
director, Joseph Watson clerk, and Wm. H. Payne treasurer of District 6. 
On May 28th, 1872, Superintendent Horner gave notice that he pro- 
posed to take the northeast quarter of section 27 and the southeast quar- 
ter of section 22, township 34, range 20, from District 6. If there was 
originally a district of this numl)er organized it seems to have lost its 



190 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

organizatiou very soou, aud its territory must have been embraced in 
other districts. The policy of the Superintendent seems to have been, 
when a district of any number became extinct, to give that number to 
the next new district which should be organized, and this number was 
given to an entirely new district, situated in the central-southern part of 
Howard township. This district was formed by an order made March 
17th, 1872, on a petition dated March 9th, 1872, signed by H. C. Long, 
William Blackford and others. The first school meeting in this new dis- 
trict was held at the house of E. R. Lee, on March 30th, 1872, aud the 
following officers elected : R. M. Roberts, director ; John Morse, clerk ; 
Wm. Stevenson, treasurer. 

BISHOP DISTKICT, NO. 7. 

The original order for the formation of this district located it in the 
southwest corner of Oswego township, and a portion of Richland town- 
ship lying north of Labette creek. A report dated September 14, 1867, 
signed by Francis M. Brockus, shows thirty-one children of school age 
in the district. This was the only item in the report, and this was the 
only report of the district as thus located which is now on file, and it 
seems that within the next few months this territory was absorbed by 
other districts, and this district became extinct. On December 14, 1869, 
Abner DeCou, Alexander Bishop, D. S. Bishop, Henry Newcomb and 
Henry G. Pore petitioned for the formation of a district to embrace sec- 
tions 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 aud 15, in Hackberry township ; and by an order 
made on the 17th of that month this territory, and also section 7 in Rich- 
land township, was formed into a new district designated as No. 7. A 
school-house was built in the fall of 1870, but before the erection of a 
school-house one term of school had been taught in a private house be- 
longing to Henry Pore, on section 10. This first school was taught, 
commencing in the fall of 1869, by Miss Esther Biggs. 

SHILOH DISTRICT, NO. 8. 

This district is located in the southwestern part of Montana township. 
The first officers were : Samuel Dunham, director ; R. S. Cornish, clerk ; 
Joseph Brown, treasurer. The first report of this district is dated Sep- 
tember 1, 1868, signed by R. S. Cornish, clerk, and shows 37 children of 
school age in the district, but no school having been taught therein. The 
first school in the district seems to have been taught in the spring of 1869, 
by A. A. Biggs. The report dated September 10, 1869, signed by E. G. 
Robinson, clerk, shows 37 children of school age, and an attendance of 
21 at school, the average daily attendance being 15, and the salary of the 
teacher $24 per month. A log school-house was put up in 1868, and in 
1871 a good frame building took its place. 



EDUCATIONAL. 191 



BED EOCK (or RED BUD) DISTRICT, NO. 9. 

This district is located in Montana township, east of the Neosho river. 
It must have been formed in 1867, although there is no record of its or- 
ganization ; nor indeed is there any record showing anything in reference 
thereto prior to 1870, when the district board is reported to have been 
composed of David M. Watson, Benjamin F. Hanson, and James H. 
Wliite. On December 5, 1881, the school-house was destroyed by fire; 
and as the limit allowed by law for bonds had previously been reached, 
and the bonds were still outstanding, it was determined to raise funds by 
subscription with which to build. Considerable outside aid was secured, 
especially from the business men of Osw'ego. In this way the district 
was again soon supplied with a house. 

LABETTE CITY DISTRICT, XO. 10. 

This district was originally organized by Superintendent New^lon, em- 
bracing two miles in width on the north side of Fairview township and 
three miles in width on the south side of Liberty township, from the east 
line of said township five miles w^st. Wm. H. Cline was the first clerk, 
and on September 11th, 1867, reported no school having been taught in 
the district, but an enrollment of 24 males and 19 females of school age. 
The first school in the district was taught by Wm. H. Cline, as is shown 
by the report of W. J. Conner, clerk, dated September 1st, 1865, (evi- 
dently intended for 1868,) at a salary of 333.33^ per month. The school 
was taught in a claim cabin on the southeast quarter of section 27, be- 
longing to the estate of A. W. Richardson. The attendance at this school 
was 10 males and 3 females, with an average attendance of 3|. John 
Richardson succeeded W. J. Conner as clerk, and in the winter of 
1868 James F. Molesworth taught a three-mouths school at a salary of 
^35 per month, with an average attendance of 14|. This school was 
taught in the new hewed-log school-house which had just been erected on 
the southwest quarter of. section 35. This house was built by subscrip- 
tion with the understanding that the parties should be repaid when the 
district could raise funds, which was done. The town of Labette was 
started in June, 1870, and thereafter the school was taught in town. 
The first school in town was opened in a rented room on the east side of 
the railroad track, October 6, 1870, by J. L. AVilliams. In December the 
board bought a two-story frame building on the west side of the railroad 
track, known as Bates's Hall. The lower part was occupied by the pub- 
lishers of the Sentinel as a printing-office. The school was moved to the 
second story of this building, where Mr. Williams and his wife, Rachel 
Williams, both taught in one room. This building served as the school- 
house until June 6, 1878, when it was blown down and entirely destroyed 



192 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

by a tornado. Dr. Conner, seeing that his barometer indicated a storm, 
went to the school-house and directed school to be dismissed. The schol- 
ars were scarcely home till the house was in fragments. A new house 
was at once erected, and ready for occupancy that fall. 

JACKSONVILLE DISTRICT, NO. 11. 

This was a union district, embracing the northeastern part of Neosho 
township, lying west of the river, and a part of Neosho county, with the 
school-site at Jacksonville, in Neosho county. On September 12th, 1867, 
David Evans, clerk, reported that Jennie McDonald had taught a three- 
months school at a salary of $23.33^ per month, with an enrollment of 15 
scholars, and an average attendance of 9. The following year O. Herra- 
man and A. J. Kennedy, the former at a salary of 860 and the latter S25 
per month, taught a four-months school, with a total enrollment of 55. 

BOWMAN DISTRICT, NO. 12. 

This district lies in the western part of Fairview township. There is 
no doubt but that a district was formed having this number by Superin- 
tendent Newlon, although there is nothing on file showing its original 
organization, nor anything in respect to the district, until after 1869. 
On February 11, 1870, an order was made for the formation of the dis- 
trict, and the first election directed to be held at the house of William 
Wood, on February 23, 1870. Whether the district of this -number 
formed in 1867 embraced entirely different territory, the organization of 
which never became perfected, or whether it originally embraced the 
same territory as is now comprised in the district, I am unable, with the 
information I now have, to decide ; I am, however, disposed to think 
that District 12 as formed by Superintendent Newlon was never fully or- 
ganized, but was laid off when there was little settlement, and contained 
within its bounds the territory forming that district as we now know it. 
The first officers as now shown by the records were, in 1870, Frank Wil- 
liams, director; I. W. Patrick, clerk; A. S. Spaulding, treasurer. 

MONTANA DISTRICT, NO. 13. 

The first report on file is not dated, but it is supposed to be the report 
for 1867. It is signed by B. W. Bennett, clerk, aud represents the dis- 
trict as being in Big Hill township. It is otherwise blank, excepting the 
statement that there are 8 males and 10 females in the district. The 
next report is signed by Henry M. Minor, clerk, and is dated August 31, 
1868, showing 22 males and 20 females in the district, and that there 
has been a three-months school taught in the district, but not by a quali- 
fied teacher ; of course this was a private school. AVhile the report does 
not show it, the fact is this was a subscription school, taught in the sum- 
mer of 1807 by Alice Biggs, in the old log store building belonging to B. 



EDUCATIONAL. 193 



r. Simons — the first house built on the town-site. Mr. Minor remained 
clerk the following j-ear, and reported 83 children of school age in the 
district, 46 of whom were attending school. A three-mouths school had 
been taught by John Hudson, at $<26.33^ per month. This first public 
school was taught in an old log house on the southwest quarter of sec- 
tion 8, township 32, range 21, in the spring of 1869. In 1870 the board 
consisted of J. J. Woods, director; H, M. Minor, clerk; and A. Geb- 
hart, treasurer. Capt. A. Gebhart and J. J. Woods were the building 
committee for the erection of a new school-house. Bonds in the sum of 
^3,000 w^ere voted, and the house cost ^2,200. It was dedicated Novem- 
ber 19, 1S70, Colonel Horner delivering the address. Soon thereafter the 
first school in the new house was taught, by E. D. Graybill. 

CENTRAL DISTRICT, NO. 14. 

The original order for the formation of this district is not to be found; 
but a petition dated March 6, 1868, signed by J. H. Hart and some twenty 
more residents of the district, asking for a change in the boundaries of 
the district, seems to have been granted March 9, 1868. The first report 
is signed by James F. Molesworth, clerk, and dated September 1, 1868. 
It show^s 18 children in the district, and that a public school was then in 
progress. This was the first school in the district. It was taught by 
Mrs. Almeda Molesworth, in a cabin standing on the southeast quarter 
of section 17, belonging to S. T. Cherry. The following year Mr. Moles- 
worth reported 46 children in the district, 38 of whom were attending 
school, the average attendance being 17, and that Almeda Molesworth 
had taught a three-months school at a salary of 822 per month. The 
school-house w^as built in 1869 ; it was a frame building, covered with 
walnnt siding. 

NEW HOPE DISTRICT, NO. 15. 

This district is located near the north part of Neosho township, east of 
the Neosho river. The first report is dated September 1, 1868, signed by 
Edward Spicer, clerk, and shows only that there were 34 children in the 
district. The next report is signed by O. Sweet, clerk, and shows 50 
children in the district, with 42 attending school, the average attendance 
being 24, and that Miss Jennie M. Beck had taught a three-months school 
at a salary of SI 5 per month. 

CONCORD DISTRICT, NO. 16. 

On January 29th, 1868, L. A. Rogers and James W. Galyen presented 
a petition for the formation of this district. It was made to embrace the 
northwestern part of Neosho township and the northeastern part of North 
township. Prior to this, Superintendent Newlon seems to have formed, 
or to have contemplated the formation of, this district, but no order for 
— 13 



194 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

such formatiou is to be found. The first report, dated August 1, 1868, 
signed by L. A. Rogers, clerk, shows 33 children in the district, with 37 
attending school, and an average attendance of 16. Mrs. Pauline A. 
Ames had taught a three-months school, at a salary of $20 per month. 
A. P. Gore succeeded Mr. Rogers as clerk, and the following year makes 
two reports — one in August, showing 39 children in the district, 20 of 
whom had been attending school, and one in October, showing 78 chil- 
dren in the district, 57 of whom had been attending school. E. H. Taylor 
had taught a three-months school, at a salary of $33. 33^ per month. The 
first school-house in the district was built of logs, the settlers turning out 
and doing the work; it was located on section 7, in Neosho township, 
and was put up in the fall of 1868. Subsequently the site was changed 
to North township, and a good frame building was erected. 

LIBERTY DISTRICT, NO. 17. 

The original order for the formation of this district is not among the 
public records. But probably in 1868 Supt. Reed, on the petition of 
L. N. Shelledy, Samuel Lewis, W. H. Scott, Ed. Mercer, and other resi- 
dents of the district, made an order for the subdivision of said district ; 
the boundary of this district thereafter to commence at the northeast 
corner of Liberty township, thence extending south three and one-half 
miles, to Labette creek. The first report of this district is signed by 
W. B. Jones, clerk, dated September 14, 1868, and simply shows 21 
children in the district. In a report dated September 14, 1869, signed 
by Charles Denend, clerk, it is shown that there are 53 children in the 
district, with 10 attending a three-months school, taught by Miss Mary 
Bowlu, at a salary of $12 per month; but there is also a report on file 
dated September 15, 1869, signed by Eli Sayers, clerk, showing 66 chil- 
dren in the district, 44 in school, but not giving the name of the teacher. 
Evidently one of these is intended for some other district, but both pur- 
port to be for District 17. 

WOODS DISTRICT, NO. 18. 

This district was formed during Superintendent Newlon's administra- 
tion, but the record thereof is not now to be found. On April 4th, 1868, 
on the petition of F. W. Latham, it was reorganized and made to embrace 
a tract three miles square in the southwestern part of what is now North 
township. The first report, dated September 8th, 1868, signed by Aaron 
Midkiff, clerk, shows 24 children in the district, but no school. F. W. 
Latham, clerk, in a report dated August 31st, 1869, reports 45 children in 
the district, but no school taught. In the spring of 1873 a school-house 
was erected and well furnished, from the proceeds of $1,000 in bonds 
which had been voted. 



ED UCA TIONAL. 1 9 5 



M'COKMICK (AFTEinVARDS CUXNINGHAM ) DISTRICT, NO. 19. 

According to the records uow on file, this district was formed October 
7th, 1868, aud embraced the northwest part of what is now Mound Val- 
ley township. The district seems to have been contemplated in 1867, 
but the record of its organization, If one was had at that time, is lost. 
The first report, dated October 15th, 1868, signed by William Jones, clerk, 
shows 18 children in the district, but no school. On August 14th, 1869, 
the first meeting was held, at which it was decided to locate the school- 
house on the northwest corner of Mrs. McMichael's claim, and to circulate 
a subscription paper for material for building a school-house. J. Bishop, 
clerk, reported 13 children in the district at that date. The first school 
in the district was taught in a "shake" claim-house, with dirt floor, on 
section 26, township 32, range 17, by Mrs. Mollie Courtney, commencing 
in September, 1869. This was a subscription school, and continued for 
three months. In 1870 the board consisted of J. H. Beggs, director; 
H. B. Griffith, clerk ; and J. M. Courtney, treasurer. 

^VILD CAT DISTRICT, XO. 20. 

The original order for the formation of this district is in the handwrit- 
ing of Supt. Xewlon, and seems to have been the last district formed 
under his administration. It is located in Montana township, east of the 
Neosho. Aside from the order for its organization, there is nothing on 
file showing that anything had been done therein prior to April 20, 1870, 
when the petition of Daniel Hoy and others was presented for a change 
in this district, which seems to have been made; also reorganization 
thereof had in the early part of 187-4. The first report on file is dated 
September 12, 1870, signed by James White, clerk. 

RED ELM DISTRICT, NO. 21. 

This district is located in the southwest corner of Neosho township. 
There is nothing of record, either original or copies, showing when it 
was organized. It must have been during Supt. Newlon's administra- 
tion, or very soon after Supt. Reed came into office. The first report, 
dated September 10, 1868, is signed by Newberry Cooper, clerk, in which 
he says that they have had no school, but will have the following winter 
if they can get their house completed in time. The report shows 54 
children in the district. September 15, 1869, Mr. Cooper again reports, 
showing 68 children in the district, 47 of whom have attended a three- 
months school taught by Miss Mary Slane, who has received $2 per 
scholar, there being no public money in the district. 

SPRING HILL DISTRICT, NO. 22. 

On a petition of Harvey I. Cox and others, dated January 19th, 1 869, 
this district was formed, embracing the southwestern corner of North 



196 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

township. The first election was held at the house of Harvey I. Cox, on 
February 13th, 1869. Harvey I. Cox was the first clerk. In 1870 a frame 
school-house was built, which was replaced with a fine brick house some 
five years ago. 

CLOVER DISTEICT, NO. 23. 

Under date of March 28th, 1869, Superintendent Elliott made an order 
for the formation of District No. 23, in the northeast part of Oswego 
township, north and east of the Neosho river, and appointed the first 
school meeting to be held at the house of D. M. Clover, April 7th, 1869. 
On August 31st, 1870, what Is marked as the second annual report was 
made by L. W. Craiu, which is the first now on file. It shows 33 chil- 
dren in the district, 24 of whom were attending school, with an average 
attendance of 20. The school-house was not plastered until 1871. 

OAK GROVE DISTRICT, NO. 24. 

On March 11th, 1869, the petition of AV. S. Newlon, R. W. Bagby, S. 
Holbrook, C. Montague, F. Swanwick and others was presented for the 
formation of a new district. Upon this petition the order of the Super- 
intendent was made, forming District 24, embracing the north part of 
Oswego township and the south part of Montana township. The first 
officers were : C. Montague, director ; Henry Lively, clerk ; F. Swan- 
wick, treasurer, chosen at the first meeting, which was held at the house 
of W. Lane, April 10th, 1869. The first report is dated September 14th, 
1869, signed by Henry Lively, showing 42 children in the district, 38 in 
attendance upon school, with an average attendance of 13^, and a sub- 
scription school having been taught by Miss Amanda Powers. This was 
the first school in the district, and was taught in a cabin on the southeast 
quarter of section 5, Oswego township. In January, 1870, a log house 
w^as built at the southwest corner of section 33, in Montana township; it 
w^as built by subscription for church and school purposes. The first pub- 
lic school in the district was taught by Henry Lively, commencing in this 
house as soon as it w^as completed. The next school was taught by John 
P. Jones, commencing November, 1870. On September 27, 1873, at a 
public meeting of the district, a new school-house site was selected, on 
section 5, and it was voted to erect a stone school-house thereon. 

BREESE DISTRICT, NO. 2.5. 

February 15, 1869, C. M. Fentriss, M. Huntley, G. W. Yandle, L. W. 
Leak, and several other residents of the territory, petitioned for the for- 
mation of a district in the northwest corner of Richland township, lying 
east of Labette creek. The petition was granted, and District 25 was 
organized. There are no offlcers reported until 1870, when the board 
consisted of Lewis AV. Leak, director; L. F. Summers, clerk; and H. C. 



ED UCA TIONAL. 1 9 7 



Hardway, treasurer. The sehool-hoii.se was built in the summer of 1871, 
and in it, in the fall of that year, John Lawrence commenced teaching 
the first school in the district. 

HIATT DISTEICT, NO. 26. 

On April 17, 1S69, an order was made for the formation of District 26. 
No boundaries are given in the order, but it seems to have been situated 
in Hackberry township. The first meeting was held at the house of 
G. W. Franklin, April 30, 1869. On September 14, 1869, James McRob- 
erts, clerk, reported 40 children in the district, but that no school had 
been taught. In 1870 the board consisted of J. M. McCoon, director; 
G. W. Franklin, clerk; George S. Downing, treasurer. 

DICKEKMAN DISTKICT, NO. 27. 

On April 18, 1869, this district w^as formed, and embraced the central 
portion of Fairview township, extending east as far as Labette creek. 
The first meeting was held at the house of Joseph Barker, on April 6, 
1869. September 7, 1869, A. S. Potter, clerk, reported 56 children in 
the district, no school having yet been taught therein. In the fall of 
1869 a subscription school was taught by Esther Biggs, in a log house on 
the northwest quarter of section 23. Thomas Bulwer was director, A. S. 
Potter clerk, and E. Wiggins treasurer, in 1870. In the fall of 1870 the 
first public school in the district was taught, by Mary E. Dickerman, in 
a frame house on the northwest quarter of section 27. A school-house 
was built in the spring of 1871, which, on May 21, 188.5, was burned to 
the ground. lockaku distijict, no. 28. 

This district is situated in the central part of Hackberry township, 
south of Hackberry creek. The first official document which I now find 
among the public records relative to District 28 is an annual report dated 
August 31, 1870, signed by John Shumeker, clerk. The only item of 
information contained in this report is that they have 24 children in the 
district; no school is yet reported. I can find nothing further among the 
public records indicating when it was organized. 

STOVEPt DISTRICT, NO. 29. 

This district was formed April 29, 1869, on a petition of J. P. D. Mou- 
riquand, J. M. Logan, George Pfaff, and others, and embraced a tract in 
the north part of Fairview township extending west from Labette creek. 
The first election was held at the house of J. S. McManis, on May 11, 
1869. September 8, 1869, M. H. Logan, clerk, reported 34 children in 
the district, but that no school had been taught. The first school-house 
was built in the fall of 1869. 

HARMONY GROVE (OR CARPENTER, NOW MORTIMER) DISTRICT, NO. 30. 

This district is located in the central part of Osage township. A log 



198 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

house was used for the first school-house hi the district, and in it WiHiam 
Jeans taught the first school, in the summer of 1869. In the summer of 
1871 a frame house was built, and in it the following winter the first 
school was taught, by John Stroud. The first school board consisted of 
Leroy F. Dick, director; William H. Carpenter, clerk; and Henry Reed, 
treasurer. Another reports the board to have been : W. H. Carpenter, 
director; George N. Jeans, clerk; and J. H. Dienst, treasurer. 

PRAIKIE VALLEY DISTKICT, NO. 31. 

This district must have been organized in 1869, although the records 
concerning its organization are not to be found. As originally consti- 
tuted, it embraced the entire northwestern quarter of North township ; 
subsequently its territory was much reduced. District 104 having been 
taken therefrom. There is no report or other official record whatever on 
file with reference to the district prior to 1871, when the board were : S. 
Hardman, director; James F. Harris, clerk; A. J. Ingraham, treasurer, 

HEACOCK (or stone PALACE) DISTRICT, NO. 32. 

This district is situated in the northern part of North township. The 
record of its organization, if one was made, is lost. The first we have is 
a report made August 31, 1870, by A. Fagan, clerk, showing they have 
50 children in the district, 30 attending school, with an average attend- 
ance of 22. In 1871 the board was composed of George Miner, J. C. 
Merwin, and C. W. Rictor. 

I'ARSONS DISTRICT, NO. 33. 

A petition dated February 23, 1809, made by R. T. Caldwell, Anson 
Kellogg, A. Midkiff, 8. N. Fultz, A. Fultz, Maria Hussey, George Brock, 
and several others, was presented to the Superintendent, on which he 
soon thereafter made an order for the organization of District No. 33, 
embracing, in addition to the territory now composed in that district, 
several additional sections. The first meeting was held at the house of 
Aaron Midkitf, at which the following officers were elected: Anson Kel- 
logg, director; George M. Wilson, clerk; Joseph Simpson, treasurer. 
September 10, 1869, George M. Wilson, clerk, reported 20 males and 14 
females in the district on the 31st of August, 15 of whom — 10 males and 
5 females, with an average attendance of 10 — were in school, in progress 
at that time, taught by Maria Hussey, at a salary of 816.60>^ per month. 
This school was taught in an out-house belonging to A. Midkiff, on the 
southwest quarter of. section 19, North township. The next school was 
taught from September to December. 1870, by Miss Sophronia Emery, in 
a vacant log house belonging to Samuel Eves, on the northeast quarter of 
section 24, in Walton township. This was the first public school taught 
in the district. On March 31, 1870, the first annual meeting was held, at 



EDUCATIONAL. 199 



the house of Aaron Midkilf , aud the t'ollowiug officers elected ; Anson 
Kellogg, director; H. L. Partridge, clerk; George Brock, treasurer. 
The latter failing to qualify, W. K. Hayes was soon after appointed to 
fill the vacancy; and this same board was continued in office during two 
years. In March, 1873, they elected Dr. G. W. Gabriel director, T. C. 
Cory clerk, and Dr. T. R. Warren treasurer. At the meeting held 
March 31, 1870, the board were directed to take steps to build a school- 
house. On September 17th of that year, bonds in the sum of $1,000 were 
voted, and the board purchased lots 15 and 16 in block 72, aud on this, 
during the winter of 1870 and the spring of 1871, a one-story frame build- 
ing was erected as the first school-house in the district. It was not com- 
pleted until June, and was accepted by the board August 1, 1 871. On May 
8, 1871, Miss Kate Squires aud Miss Sophronia Emery began a subscrip- 
tion school in the new school-building, which was then inclosed but not 
fully completed. On August 10th the board decided to enlarge the build- 
ing by adding six feet on the west end, making two school-rooms. This 
house was afterward bought by the colored people, to be used as a church. 
The house thus completed was built with the proceeds of the SI, 000 in 
bonds. In the fall of 1871 the school opened in the new school-house, 
with E. H. Taylor and Miss Sophronia Emery as teachers. On October 3, 
1871, on a vote to issue ^15,000 in bonds with which to erect a new school- 
house, there were 108 votes in favor of the proposition, and but 5 against 
It. The bonds were sold at 87X cents on the dollar. In January, 1872. 
the contract for the erection of this building was let to T. B. Douglas, of 
Clinton, Missouri, for 811,993. On his failure to give bond satisfactory 
to the board, they attempted to take the contract from him and give it to 
Martin Mason, also of Clinton, Missouri, at the agreed price of $13,000: 
but the district assumed to overrule this action, and allowed Mr. Douglas 
to go on with the work. He failed to complete his contract, and the dis- 
trict had the loss to sustain. The building was completed and ready for 
the opening of school in the fall of 1872. In March, 1873, Parsons was 
incorporated as a city of the second class, whereupon the board of educa- 
tion was elected at the city election, in April. Presidents of the board : 
1873, George A. Reynolds; 1874, O. L. Hall, George W. Briggs; 1875, 
G. C. West; 1876-79, A. Wilson; 1880-81, R. H. Patrick; 1882, William 
Moir; 1883, S. W. Kniffin ; 1884, J. M. Gregory; 1885, W. J. Quick: 
1886, I. N. McCreery; 1887, J. M. Caldwell; 1888, R. D. Talbott: 1889- 
90, J. T. Tinder ; 1891, A. H. Tyler ; 1892, O. II. Stuart, G. H. L. Cope- 
land. Clerks: 1873, J. H. Metier, W. A. Gillani: 1874, P. M. Griffin: 
1875, M. Noyes; 1876, George Thornton ; 1877-81, James Grimes : 18S2- 
86, A. H. Tyler; 1887, C. W. Duzan aud A. G. Thurman : 18S8. A. H. 



200 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

Tyler, A. G. Thurmau ; 1889, Mary S. Outland and J. W. Iden ; 1890-92, 
J. W. Ideu. PriDcipals: 1872, J. H. Griffith; 1873, David Donovan; 
1874, Mrs. E. J. Collins; 1875, Mrs. Jennie Arthur. Up to 1876 the 
schools were superintended by citizens who were not teachers, and who 
were expected to do little more than have a general oversight, to know 
what the schools were doing. J. G. Parkhurst and M. W. Reynolds were 
two of the parties who filled this position. Commencing with 1876, the 
superintendents had charge of the school, and did more or less teaching. 
Superintendents: 1876, B. F. Hickey ; 1877-79, M. Chidester; 1880, 0. 
M. McPherson; 1881-87, L. Tomlin ; 1888-90, C. H. Harris; 1891-92, 
H. C. Ford. The first graduating class was in 1882, and consisted of but 
one pupil, Maud G. Keyser. Those who have graduated from the school 
up to this date number 75. There are now five brick school-buildings in 
the city, viz. : the first, built in 1872, in the second ward, on the west 
half of block 3, costing $15,000 ; the second, erected in 1880, in the third 
ward, between Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth streets and between 
Belmont and Corning avenues, costing $10,000; the third, erected in the 
first ward, in 1881, on block 111, cost SG,000 ; the fourth, erected in 1884, 
in the fourth ward, situated west of block 160, cost $12,000; the fifth, in 
the third ward, erected in 1889, on block 210, cost $10,000. A high- 
school building, to cost $35,000, is now in process of construction. 

WHEATLAND ( OR HARD-PAN ) DISTRICT, NO. 34. 

This district was formed July 8th, 1869, and embraced a tract in Mound 
Valley township, west of Pumpkin creek and north of the line between 
townships 32 and 33. The first election was held at the house of C. 
Lyeiiy, July 2d, 1869. J. M. Kichardson was the principal one inter- 
ested in the organization of this district. The first school taught in the 
district was in a house belonging to Mr. Richardson, by his son, J. M. 
Richardson, jr. The school was taught for several years in this house. 
Bonds were thereafter issued, and a new school-house erected. In 1870 
the officers were : J. M. Richardson, director ; William Reeder, clerk ; 
John B. Campbell, treasurer. 

SNOW HILL, DISTRICT, NO. 35. 

This district was formed July 9th, 1869, and embraced a tract in the 
southwest part of Osage township, most of it lying in what is now Mont- 
gomery county. The first election was held at the house of A. W. Cook, 
July 20th, 1869. When this territory was attached to Montgomery county 
this district became disorganized. In 1872 a new district was organized, 
in the extreme southwestern corner of the county, and was given this 
number. Its first officers were; Wm. Mabrey, director; W. S. Getsyen- 
dinger, clerk ; W. B. Roberts, treasurer. Mr. Mabrey was director for 



ED UCA TIONAL. 201 



fourteeu years. Some time thereafter a storehouse in Parker was pur- 
chased, and moved out to the district for its first school-house. 

MOUNT ZIOX DISTRICT, NO. 36. 

This district was formed July 10th, 1869, and lay in the southwest part 
of Osage township. The first meeting was held July 20th, 1869. Miss 
Josie Hockett taught her first school in a log cabin on the southeast quar- 
ter of section 6, township 32, range 18. The first board now shown by 
records was that for 1870, and was composed of S. C. Hockett, director; 
Charles Beggs, clerk ; and William Johns, treasurer. 

TIMBER HILL, DISTRICT, NO. 37. 

This district was formed July 10th, 1869, and lay in the southern part 
of Osage township. The first election was held at the house of F. Laba- 
die, July 20th, 1869. In fall of 1869, E. D. Graybill induced the settlers 
to put up a log house on the southwest corner of Timber Hill town-site, 
in which that winter he taught the first school in the district. The fol- 
lowing winter W. A. Starr taught in this building. A. W. King was 
clerk in 1870 ; he is the only officer reported prior to 1871. 

DENNIS DISTRICT, NO. 38, 

Was formed July 10th, 1869, and lay in the central part of Osage town- 
ship, and embraced the present town-site of Dennis. A log house was 
put up in this district in the spring of 1870, in which Mrs. Lapham taught 
a three-months school. After the location of Dennis in this district a 
new frame school-house was erected in town, in the summer of 1885. 
The district board in 1870 consisted of X. P. Lapham, director; George 
W. Major, clerk ; Jacob Beaty, treasurer. 

BRADFORD DISTRICT, NO. 39. 

On July 10, 1869, an order was made for the formation of this district, 
but probably it was not acted on, for another order was made on April 6, 
1870, under which the district was formed, and lay in the northwest cor- 
ner of Walton township. The first meeting was held at the house of 
M. S. Mason, on April 16, 1870, at which George T. Walton, M. S. Mason 
and John Lunciford were elected the board for that year. 

MOUND VALLEY DISTRICT, NO. 40, 

Is situated in the central-eastern part of Mound Valley township, and 
includes the town of Mound Valley. This district was formed in the 
summer of 1869, although there is nothing now on file showing that fact. 
The first annual report was made August 31st, 1870, by Alexander Hon- 
rath, clerk; it shows 33 children in the district, 22 in school, with an 
average attendance of 11. In 1870 the board was composed of Josephus 
Moore, Alexar.der Honrath, and L. C. Wilmoth. A new two-story build- 



202 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

iug was erected in the summer of 1882, and in 1885 an addition was made 
thereto. enterprise district, no. 41, 

While there is no record thereof, an attempt must have been made In 
the summer of 1869 to form this district, which probably failed. It was 
formed May 12th, 1871, and lay in the southeastern corner of Mound 
Valley township. The first meeting was held May 27th, 1871, on petition 
therefor, signed by Joseph Moore, Alexander Honrath, John Campbell, 
S. W. Slocum, E. Tanner and others. The first school in the district was 
taught in 1879, by Delia Wilson, in a cabin on section 23, belonging to 
Rev. F. L. Walker. A school-house was not built until 1880. 

SALEM DISTRICT, NO. 42. 

On June 7th, 1870, E. P. Emery, Wm. R. Abies, and others, petitioned 
for a district in the southwestern corner of Walton township. I find no 
record of its formation, but it seems to have been organized soon after 
the presentation of the petition. S. B. Shaffer, J. A. Jones and G. B. 
Hughes are reported as the board In 1870. A school-house was built 
near the southeast corner of section 20 in the spring of 1871. In 1890 
this first building was replaced by a new and much better one. The first 
school in the district was taught by Miss Sophronia Emery, in a log house 
on R, P. Clark's claim, in the fall of 1870. 

ALTAMONT DISTRICT, NO. 43, 

Was formed October 4th, 1869, and embraced the southeast corner of 
Labette township and the northeastern corner of Mt. Pleasant township, 
and includes the city of Altamont. In 1870 the board were G. Conner, 
J. C. Murphy, and John Elston. The first school-house was built in 1872, 
and was used until the number of scholars became so great that it would 
no longer accommodate them in any way, when it was sold to J. T. Wal- 
ler, by whom it was moved across the street, where it still stands, and is 
used for a dwelling. In 1880 the district employed J. B. Jones to erect 
a new house upon the same site formerly occupied by the old one. The 
district again outgrew this house, and in 1884 another room had to be 
added. The building thus improved accommodated the district until 
1891, when $4,000 in bonds were voted, the old school-house was sold to 
the Christians for the purpose of being reconstructed into a church build- 
ing, and a new two-story brick school-house was erected under a contract 
with J. B. Jones, occupying the same site as its predecessors. 

SPRING VALLEY (OR CATALPA) DISTRICT, NO. 44. 

In 1870 the petition of John Connor, John W. Logan and other citizens 
was presented for the formation of a district in the southwest corner of 
Liberty township, which petition was granted, and on January 29, 1870, 
an order made under which District 44 w^as organized. William F. Gross 



ED UCA TIOXAL. 203 



William J. Ilitf and S. W. Collius were the first board, elected at the first 
meeting of the district, held at the house of W. J. Iliff, February 11, 1870. 

ELLIS DISTRICT, NO. 45, 

Is situated in the northeastern part of Elm Grove township. I find no 
record whatever in reference to it prior to 1871, except the names of the 
board for 1870; they were Daniel Mclntire, John Lane, and Madison 
Sharp. The district must have been formed early in 1870. The first 
school in the district was taught in the summer of 1870, by Sarah Acker- 
son, afterwards the wife of Henry G. Pore, in her own claim cabin on 
the northeast quarter of section 14. The school-house was built in 1872, 
and Lou Blanchard taught the first school in it. 

LANEVILLE (OK HARD SCRABBLE) DISTRICT, NO. 46, 

Is in the central part of Neosho township, west of the Neosho river. 
The record is entirely silent as to the date of its formation, and I find no 
report prior to 1871, but in 1870 the board are reported to be E. H. Taylor, 
Samuel Frank, and E. H. Wells. 

HIATT DISTRICT, NO. 47, 

Was formed March 24, 1870, and embraced a tract of land in the south- 
west of Liberty township and the southeast of Labette township. This 
district was formed on the petition of Caleb Haskill, T. M. Gibson, and 
others, dated December 30, 1869. The first school meeting was held at 
the house of C. T. Haskill, April 4, 1870. P. M. Gibson, Edward Hiatt 
and C. F. Haskill are the officers reported for 1871. 

PLEASANT VALLEY, MORNING, OR KNOT-HOLE DISTRICT, NO. 48, 

Is situated in the northeast corner of Liberty and northwest corner of 
Montana township. In the spring of 1870 the first school was taught, in 
George Metcalf s old log house on the northeast quarter of section 13, by 
Miss Sidney Johnson ; this was a subscription school. In the spring of 
1871 an old store building was moved from Labette and placed on the 
northeast corner of the southwest quarter of section 12, township 32, 
range 20 ; this was the first school-house. Two years later it was moved 
over onto the southeast quarter. The first school board, as now shown 
on the county records, was in 1870, and consisted of James Morning, 
director; S. S. Saytor, clerk; George Morning, treasurer. I judge from 
all that appears that the district was probably organized early in 1870. 

RIPON DISTRICT, NO. 49, 

Is situated in the central-southern part of Elm Grove township, border- 
ing on the State line. I have no means of telling from the public records 
when this district was formed. The first oflicial paper relative to it 
which I have been able to find is the report made by Jonas Burris, on 



204 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

August 31st, 1870, showing 48 children in the district, with an average 
attendance of 21 at school. I find among the records a letter signed by 
Ben M. Smith, dated September 8th, 1870, in which he says that the dis- 
trict is composed mostly of single men ; that their school has been kept 
but two weeks, the teacher having been paid off and quit ; and that in re- 
ality the district has no organization. The officers reported for 1870 
were : Colton B. Pratt, director ; B. M. Smith, clerk ; and W. D. Scog- 
gans, treasurer. It is therefore likely the report made by Mr. Burris 
should be credited to some other district. 

STAR DISTRICT, NO. .50. 

This district was probably formed in 1870, lying in the southeastern 
part of Elm Grove township. The first school was taught by Miss 
Unthank, in the house of Harvey Jones. The first board were : Ira Peck, 
director; Dr. D. P. Lucas, clerk; and George W. McGeyor, treasurer. 
The first public school was taught in the winter of 1871 and 1872, by Miss 
Frank Hall. 

DRESSER (now VALEDA ) DISTRICT, NO. 51. 

There is nothing of record showing any successful effort at organizing 
this district till December 29th, 1875, when an order for its formation 
was made, and the first election had on March 6th, 1876. The first 
school-house in this district was an old store building bought and moved 
from Parker to near the center of section 20, township 34, range 18, in 
1879. In 1886 this building was sold, changes were made in the boundary of 
the district, and the school-house site was changed and placed at Valeda, 
which had just been started. A new school-house was erected in 1886. 

RAYBURN DISTRICT, NO. 52. 

This district lies in the central-eastern part of Mount Pleasant town- 
ship. It was organized under an order made June 8, 1870, and the first 
election was directed to be held at the house of John R. Eldridge on 
June 20, 1870. The following officers were elected: (William Skilliug, 
director, but declined to serve) ; Henry Story, director ; G. A. W. Grant, 
clerk; John Eldridge, treasurer. In 1871 the board consisted of Henry 
Story, director ; G. A. W. Grant, clerk ; W. Jones, treasurer. In the 
fall of 1870 Susan Story taught a subscription school in the Morrison 
claim house, on S.E. quarter of section 14. In the spring of 1871 the 
school-house was built, in which, commencing that fall, John Hamblin 
taught the first public school in the district. 

O'CONNER DISTRICT, NO. 53, 

Was organized June 13, 1870, embracing the central-northern part of 
Walton township. The first school meeting was held at the residence of 
James Cahill, June 25, 1870. The first officers were William O'Brien, 
James Cahill, and Timothy O'Couner. 



ED UCA TIONAL. 205 



MAPLE GROVE DISTRICT, NO. 54. 

On Jime 20, 1876, Ernest Wadsack, John Richardson, and some twenty 
more residents of that territorj-, petitioned for tlie formation of a district 
in the northeast corner of Fairview township, which on July 6th was 
granted and District 54 was organized. This district was, however, orig- 
inally organized much earlier than this, although there is no record of 
the fact. In 1870 the board consisted of John Richardson, director; 

J. L. Williams, clerk ; , treasurer. These are the first officers now 

shown by the records. The first school in the district was taught by 
Mrs. W. S. Park, in a cabin on the Dike farm, in the winter of 1870. 

FRANKLIN DISTRICT, NO. 55, 

Is located in the northwestern corner of North township. There is no 
record showing the time of its formation, but I learn it was organized in 
1868 through the efforts of Mr. Ballentine ; perhaps the organization was 
not till the next year ; at least, there is no record of any officers reported 
in 1869. The neighbors built a small board shanty on the northwest 
quarter of section 36, in which Elvira Bingaman, daughter of A. W. 
Jones, taught the first school, in the fall of 1868. A year or two after 
that the district was enlarged, and a new school-house costing S700 was 
built on section 35, in 1872. In 1870 the district board was composed of 
George Skelton, director ; Samuel Ballentine, clerk ; Robert C. Livesay, 
treasurer. This is the first that appears on the county record respecting 
this district. angola district, no. 56, 

Was organized in the central part of Canada tow-nship, July 13th, 1878. 
The first meeting was held August 19th, 1878, officers elected and organ- 
ization perfected. I find no account of any earlier organization, although 
it seems probable that one must at least have been attempted. 

CAMPBELL DISTRICT, NO. 57, 

Is located in the south-central part of Oswego township, and must have 
been organized early in 1870, although there is no record showing such 
fact. On August 31, 1870, T. Clark reported 47 children in the district, 
41 attending school. The officers reported for 1870 are : John Overdeer, 
director; William Steel, clerk. Alice Spaulding was first teacher, her 
school commencing in the fall of 1871, in the new school-house which 
had just been built. 

ROCK CREEK (OR ARNOLD) DISTRICT, NO. 58, 

Was organized in the eastern part of Canada township, July 23. 1878, 
and the first meeting held August 21, 1878. No record of any earlier 
organization exists, so far as I have discovered. 

PIONEER DISTRICT, NO. 59, 

As originally constituted, embraced the northwest quarter of Mt. Pleas- 



206 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

ant township. I find nothing on record showing anything of the forma- 
tion of the district, or anytliing in reference thereto prior to 1870. For 
that year the district board are reported to be B. F. Jones, S. M. Canady, 
and O. B. Clark. The school-house was built in the summer of 1871, 
and the first school was taught by Mrs. H. Pottinger, wife of Samuel 
Pottinger. lake creek district, no. 60, 

Is situated in the central-western part of Hackberry township. There is 
nothing on record showing when it was formed or what it did prior to 
1871, when R. M. Roberts, John M. Morse and William Stevenson are 
recorded as the officers. 

CLOSSAR (or union) DISTRICT, NO. 61. 

A petition of Daniel Corell and a number of the neighbors was pre- 
sented for the formation of a district in the southwest corner of Richland 
township. There is no record of the date of this, but it seems to have 
been formed sometime in 1870. The officers for that year were : J. F. 
Chamberlain, director; F. M. Mendenhall, clerk; and Samuel Hull, treas- 

^^^^^'- FROC4 POND DISTRICT, NO. 62, 

Was formed May 18, 1873, on a petition of P. H. Cherry, G. Spicer and 
others, and is situated in the southeast corner of Neosho township. 

MOUNT TRIUMril DISTRICT, NO. 63. 

James M. Kinnamon, Isaac Wylch and others presented a petition for 
the formation of a district in the central-northern part of Mound A^ alley 
township. It was formed June 18, 1872, an order for its formation hav- 
ing been made on May 20th, 1872. It lies in both Osage and Mound 
Valley townships. 

CRANSTON DISTRICT, NO. 64. 

A petition of James Cahill, Wm. O'Brien, Timothy O'Conner and a 
number of others was presented to the Superintendent for the formation 
of a school district embracing the central-northern part of Walton town- 
ship. This petition seems to have been acted upon, and the district 
formed in June, 1870. There is no record giving anything definite as to 
its formation farther than is here stated. November 10, 1871, on the 
application of Wm. M. Rogers, the first election was called for this dis- 

^^''^^' GLOBE DISTRICT, NO. 65. 

Miss Ida Stevenson taught the first school in the district, in the fall of 
1870, in a small claim building belonging to J. O. Stotts. There is no 
record showing when the district was organized, but it was probably early 
in 1870. The record shows the board in 1870, which must have been the 

first board, consisted of Ames, director; O. F. Presson, clerk; and 

George McDole, treasurer. The first public school was taught by Mrs. 
H. A. Boleman, in one of the rooms of her dwelling, commencing in the 



ED UCA TIONAL. 207 



fall of 1871 ; she taught several terms in succession there. The district 
is located iu the northeastern part of Mound Valley township. 

LEE DISTRICT, XO. 66, 

Is situated iu the northwestern corner of Labette township. We have 
no record of its formation or work prior to 1872, when Alfred H. Lee, 
E. D. Graybill and John B. Daniel were reported as the board. 

m'clintock (or trenton) district, no. 67, 
Was organized December 15, 1870, and embraced the southeast corner of 
Howard township. The first meeting in the district was in the house 
of E. B. Baldwin, on April 8, 1871, at which the following officers were 
elected: W. J. McClintock, director; E. B. Baldwin, clerk; Benjamin 
Wade or J. M. Hart, treasurer. This was the first district organized iu 
Howard township. The first school in the district was taught by J. M. 
Hart, in a little cabin on his place, in the fall and winter of 1871. This 
was a subscription school. In the spring of 1873 a new school-house 
was built, and, commencing April 22, 1872, W. J. Millikin taught the 
first public school in the district. 

FAIRVIEW district, NO. 68, 

Is located in the western part of Mound Valley township. C. H. Lesley, 
E. Stapleton and Alexander Moore were interested in the securing of its 
organization, which was effected under an order made December 30, 1870. 
The first school-house was built by subscription, out of native lumber, 
and a school taught therein by Mrs. Hess, in 1871. That year bonds 
were voted, and the house was remodeled and fixed for a winter school, 
which was held the following winter. After the division of the district 
in 1883, additional bonds were voted, and a new school-house was built 
in 1884. Elisha Stapleton, J. J. Dickens and A. Moore were the first 
officers. UNION district, no. 69, 

Was formed January 31, 1871, and embraced the southwest corner of 
Labette township. The first meeting was at the house of Isaac Padget, 
February 20, 1871. In the summer of 1871 the first school-house was 
built in the district ; this was the first school-house in the township. The 
first school in the township was taught in this building by Miss Carrie M. 
Beggs, commencing the first of December, 1871. Andrew J. Heaton, 
Robert Vance and S. M. Hinshaw were the first officers ; in the spring of 
1S71, John P. Hight, Isaac Padget and S. M. Hinshaw were elected. 

POLAND DISTRICT, NO. 70, 

Was formed February 8, 1871, and lay in the eastern part of Hackberry 
township and western part of Richland. The first meeting was held at 
the house of Isaac Butterworth, in February, 1871. The first officers 



208 HISTORY OF LABEl'TE COUNTY. 

^ve^e Samuel Cellars, L. H. Eeed, aud L. H. Lockwood. The school- 
house was built, but Bot plastered, iu the fall of 1871, aud in that winter 
James Dickey taught the first school. A new school-house was erected 
in 1892. NEWELL district, no. 71, 

Was formed May 1, 1871. It lay in the southwest corner of Fairview 
and the northwest corner of Hackberry. The first meeting was held at 
the house of G. W. AVilliams, and the following elected as the board : 
James Newell, director ; Samuel B. Good, clerk ; James Potteuger, 
treasurer. The first school was taught in a building belonging to James 

McCoy. A^ALLEY DISTRICT, NO. 73, 

Was formed May 3, 1871. It lies iu the central-eastern part of Elm 
Grove township. The first meeting was held at the house of Henry Pit- 
man, on May 15, 1871. L. Edmondson, D. S. Robbins and C. were 

the first officers. 

WIMMER (now EDNA) DISTRICT, NO. 73. 

An order was made May 3, 1871, for the formation of District No. 73, 
lying in the central part of Elm Grove township, and an election called for 
May 15, 1871, at the house of Owen Wimmer. The district failed to or- 
ganize under this order, and on May 30, 1872, a new order was made for 
the organization of the district, and the first election called for May 30, 
1872, at the house of P. C. Goodwin. The building in the district was 
erected in the fall of 1872, and completed the fore part of December. It 
was completed on Monday, and on Tuesday W. J. Millikin opened therein 
the first school in the district. The building stood in the southeast cor- 
ner of the northwest quarter of section 30, township 34, range 19, and 
when the railroad was laid out the projected line ran directly through 
the building. It was then sold to Thomas Bickham, and moved a little 
to the north and used as a Free Methodist church. In the fall of 1886 a 
new four-room school-house was erected and furnished, at a cost of S2,000. 

PATRICK (or SHROUt) DISTRICT, NO. 74, 

Embraced a tract of land lying north and west of Oswego, extending 
from the Neosho river to the west side of the township, and was organ- 
ized May 8, 1871, on a petition dated April 14, 1871, signed by J. H. Holt, 
R. P. Bagby, Elisha Hammer, A. C. Baker, and others. The first elec- 
tion was held May 19, 1871. This district has undergone many changes 
since its organization. After the organization of the district the school 
was taught for some time in the old college building. After that was 
torn down and removed a new school-house was built. 

ELM WOOD (or SLOCUM) DISTRICT, NO. 75, 

Is located in the central and northern part of Mound Valley township, 
and was on the petition of Josephus Moore, Seth Wells, R. W. Simpson, 



ED LXA TIONAL. 209 



and others, organized by order dated May 12, 1871. The first was held 
May 25, 1871. The first school officers were S. W. Slocum, Wm. Rob- 
bins, and Henry Terwilliger. The school-honse was built in the summer 
of 1871. The following winter a three-months school was taught by Mr. 
Jones, at a salary of 825 per month. 

ST. JOHN DISTRICT, XO. 76. 

This district is situated in the central and western part of Osage town- 
ship. I have not been able to find any record giving an account of its 
formation, nor have I found any of the old settlers who can give such in- 
formation. But the order for its formation was evidently made in 1871. 
It is said that the first teacher in the district was Miss Sadie Chambers. 
This has been one of the most enterprising districts in the county, and 
the school has always stood high. 

PLEASANT HILL DISTRICT, XO. 77. 

On July 27, 1871, George W. Blake, J. A. Jamison, P. Stevenson, 
and a great many others petitioned for a district in the southeast part of 
Osage township, on which the superintendent made an order October 20th, 
1871, forming it into District 77, and appointing the first school meeting 
to be held at the house of J. L. Hills. The first officers consisted of J. T. 
Hills, director ; George W. Blake, clerk ; P. Stevenson, treasurer. 

WILLOW BRAXCH DISTRICT, XO. 78, 

Lies in the western part of Mount Pleasant township and eastern part of 
Canada, and was organized on an order made October 20, 1871. The 
first meeting was held at the house of S. Briner, November 19, 1871. 
W. H. Steel was elected director, D. S. Jackson treasurer, AV. H. Mapes, 
clerk. The first school-house was built by subscription, and in this the 
day and Sunday schools were held until the erection of the new house. 

SYLVAX DALE DISTRICT, XO. 79. 

This district is situated in the northwest part of Osage township, and 
was organized in 1870, on the petition of Wm. Padget and others. The 
first school was taught by Miss Maxwell ; Maggie x\dams and Edna Blake 
were early teachers. The first officers were David Lensy, Paulus Eisley, 
and A. H. Lockhart. 

ELSTOX DISTRICT, XO. 80, 

Was formed January 3, 1872, on the petition of J. T. Waller, John El- 
ston, J. O. King, Thomas D. Bickham and others, on December 19, 1870, 
in the corners of Fairview, Liberty, Labette and Mount Pleasant town- 
ships. The first meeting was held January 20, 1872, at the house of 
M. y. B. Watson. The following officers were elected : Silas Prayther, 
director; M. V. B. Watson, clerk; J. O. King, treasurer. 
— u 



210 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

MILLER (on THE BRICK) DISTRICT, NO. 81. 

Ou June 10, 1872, an order was made for the organization of District 
81, in the northwest corner of the county, on the request of J. B. Quinn, 
It seems that this territory was thereafter formed into a union district, 
and on March 18, 1875, a new district with this same number w^as organ- 
ized, in the southeast corner of Walton township. The first meeting was 
held April 24, 1875. 

CALDW^ELL DISTRICT, NO. 82, 

Originally embraced three miles square in the northeast corner of Labette 
township, and was formed January 10, 1872. The first meeting was held 
at the house of John M. Caldwell, January 5, 1872, at which the follow- 
ng officers were elected : L. A. Wood, director ; John M. Caldwell, clerk ; 
James Martin, treasurer. Miss Carrie M. Beggs taught the first school, 
in a private claim house. School-house completed in 1872. 

HENDERSON (NOW WILSONTON) DISTRICT, NO. 83. 

On January 1, 1872, E. M. Keeder and a number of others petitioned 
for a district In the central and western part of Labette township. Ou 
May 15, 1872, an order for its formation was made, and the first meeting 
called for May 30th, at the house of William Collins. In the summer 
Miss Carrie M. Beggs taught the first school, in a claim house. School- 
house built in 1872. 

EMMONS DISTRICT, NO. 84. 

This district was formed in the northwest part of Canada township, on 
an order made March 5, 1872. The first election was held at the house 
of J. Herringtoii, March 28, 1872. Otho Wilson taught the first school. 
Bonds in the sum of $1,000 were issued, and a house was built in the fall. 
Alexander Duncan taught the first school therein. The first board was 
composed of J. J. Higgins, Alexander Duncan, and James Sweet. 

LIEB DISTRICT, NO. 85. 

On March 26, 1872, Christian Lieb and a number of others petitioned 
for the formation of a district in the southeast of Canada and northeast 
part of Howard townships, and on May 15th an order was made for its 
formation. The first election w^as called for May 30th, at the house of 
Christian Lieb. This school-house was built in the summer of 1872, and 
that winter J. K. Russell taught the first school therein. The first board 
consisted of Christian Lieb, John D. Vance, and Jonathan Pearson. 

SUNNY SIDE DISTRICT, NO. 86, 

Was formed June 3, 1872, in the territory adjoining Chetopa on the north. 
The first meeting was held in the house of J. C. Wright, June 14, 1872, 
at which the following officers were elected: J. C. Wright, director; L. 
D. Bovee, clerk ; J. B. Sartain, treasurer. A house was built that year. 



ED UCA TIONAL. 211 



CECIL (or LIGGETT) DISTRICT, NO. 87, 

Is situated in the southwest corner of Hackberry township. The record 
of its organization and early history is all a blank. A house costing $600 
is said to have been built in 1872 ; and the first officers are said to have 
been William Liggett, director ; W. B. Trissol, clerk ; A. J. Barnes, 
treasurer. excelsior district, no. 88, 

Was formed in the northern part of Mound Valley township. May 3, 1873. 
The first meeting was held July 30, 1873. Samuel Mayginnis, J. D. Elli- 
son and J. F. Butts were the first school officers. The first school was 
taught by J. F. Finley, in a house belonging to J. F. Butts, in 1873. 
The school-house in the district was built in 1874. 
noble district, no. 89. 
In 1872 a large petition was presented for the formation of a district 
in the southeast corner of Mount Pleasant townshi]). There is no record 
of the formation thereof until the spring of 1873. The first meeting was 
held and the officers elected May 27, 1873. 

keeler district, no. 90, 
Was organized in the northwest corner of Elm Grove township, April 26, 
1873. The first meeting was held June 5, 1S73. 

belle district, no. 91, 
Was formed in the west part of Mount Pleasant township, December 31, 

1873. The first meeting was held January 31, 1874. 

HAWKINS (or KINGSTON) DISTRICT, NO. 92, 

Is located in the southwest corner of Elm Grove township, and was or- 
ganized January 29, 1874. The first meeting was held March 3, 1874. 

TWIN MOUND DISTRICT, NO. 93, 

Was formed in the northwestern part of Osage township, April 4, 1874. 
The first meeting was held May 23, 1874. 

RICHLAND (or YOUNG) DISTRICT, NO. 94, 

Was formed in the northern part of Canada township. June 18, 1874. 
The first meeting was held August 1, 1874. A school-house was built in 
the district in the fall of 1874. The first school in the district was taught 
by Kichard McKenzie. 

janes DISTRICT, NO. 95. 

April 15, 1872, W. H. Mapes and others petitioned for the formation 
of a district in the southwest corner of Mount Pleasant township. It 
does not appear to have been organized prior to June 18th, 1874, when 
the order therefor was made and the organization completed, August 1, 

1874. The first school meeting was held at the residence of Noah Guy- 
man. John Hulse was elected director and Milo Hildreth clerk. The 



212 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

first school was taught in the summer of 1874, by Mrs. Mary Owens, in a 
house belonging to Mr. Decker, with an average attendance of less than 
4 scholars. School was held in rented buildings until the fall of 1878, 
when a new school-house was erected, the first school in which was 
taught by Mrs. Eliza Paist. 

HAZEL DELL DISTRICT, NO. 96, 

Is a joint district, situated near the northwest corner of the county, in 
connection with territory in Montgomery county. It was organized in 
1873, or at least steps were taken as early as that to secure an organi- 
zation, and a house was built very soon after its organization. The first 
board consisted of W. T. Fallon, director; J. T. Finley, clerk; J. W. 
Phebus, treasurer. The first school was taught by John Stroud. 

m'kennax district, no. 97, 
Was formed in the northwestern part of Howard township, March 11, 
1873. The first meeting was held April 10, 1873, The school-house 
in this district was first built on the west side of Pumpkin creek, and 
was thereafter removed to the east side of the creek. 

BAYLOR DISTRICT, NO. 98, 

Located in the southeastern part of Hackberry township, was formed 
March 12, 1873. The first meeting was held April 15, 1873. 

BELL MOUND DISTRICT, NO. 99, 

Was formed in the southeastern part of Mound Valley township, March 
14, 1873. The first meeting was held April 11, 1873. The first officers 
were Cyrus Hopkins, M. F. Wakefield, and Ira Ross. In December, 
1873, Herman Wade opened the first school. Colin Hodge was treasurer 
of this district for a number of years. 

PIETY HILL DISTRICT, NO. 100, 

Was formed in the southeastern part of Richland township, April 15, 
1873. The first meeting was held May 22, 1875. That fall a school- 
house costing $900 was erected. 

WOODRUFF (or MILL VALLEY) DISTRICT, NO. 101. 

Notices of formation of this district were posted October 8, 1880. Offi- 
cers were elected and organization completed November 8, 1880. This 
district is situated in the western part of Oswego township. 

MAPLE GROVE DISTRICT, NO. 102, 

Was organized July 16, 1881, in the northwestern part of Osage township. 
The first meeting was held at the house of M. E. Sparks, July 16, 1881. 

COOK DISTRICT, NO. 103, 

Is situated in the southern part of Richland township, and was organized 
July 28, 1881. The first meeting was held at the house of Wm. Cook, 



ED UCA TIONAL . 213 



July 28, 1881. Daniel Corell, E. C. Albrook aud a number of other 
parties petitioned for the formation of this district. The order is dated 
June 18, 1881. 

M. K. & T. DISTRICT, XO. 104, 

Is located in the northwestern part of North township, and was organ- 
ized June 10, 1883. The first meeting was held at the house of S E 
Cornelius, June 10, 1882. 

PLEASANT VIEW DISTEICT. NO. 105, 

Is located in the eastern part of Mound Valley township, and was organ- 
ized December 8, 1883. The first meeting was held at the house of R 
Terhune, December 8, 1883. The first school officers were A. B. Gibs 
H. K. Baker, and J. C. Lesley. A school-house was built in 1884 and 
the first school was taught there in the winter of 1884, by Miss Lina Gibs. 

BALLOU DISTRICT, NO. 106, 

Is Situated in the northern part of Labette township; was organized 
February 16, 1884. The first meeting was held at the house of Robert N 
Davis, January 11, 1884. 

MOOEEIIEAD DISTRICT, NO. 107, 

J^s^Iocated in the northwestern corner of Osage township, and is a joint 

^'^^'^' ROSEDALE DISTRICT, NO. 108, 

Located in the western part of Fairview township, was organized May 6. 
1&84. The first meeting was held at the house of F. M. Poe, May 16, 

ROSE HILL DISTRICT, NO. 109, 

Located in the south-central part of Elm Grove township, was organized 
April 30, 1884. The first meeting was held April 30, 1884. 

BARTLETT DISTRICT, NO. 110, 

Is Situated in the central part Hackberry township, including the town 
of Bartlett, and aud was organized June 3, 1889. The school-house was 
built that fall, and in it, commencing in December, J. L. Edmundson 
commenced teaching the first school in the district. 

JARBOE DISTRICT, NO. 111. 

On February 27, 1892, J. A. Jarboe and William Scott applied for the 
formation of a new district, and on March 1st the order was made for tlie 
formation of a district embracing territory in Walton and Osage town- 
ships. An appeal having been taken from the action of the County Su- 
perintendent, it was not until Jtdy 8th that the hearing was had before 
Uie Commissioners, when the action of the Superintendent was sustained. 
The first election was held July isth, at which the following officers were 
elected: William Turner, director; William Scott, clerk; J. A. Jarboe 
treasurer. Bonds were soon issued, and a new school-house costing ^500 



214 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

was erected ou the southeast corner of section 13, in Osage township, in 
which, ou October 10th, the first school was opened, by Lillie Willi. 

GRADING COUNTRY SCHOOLS. 

Prior to 1889 no attempt had been made toward securing uniformity in 
the course of study and standard of scholarship in the various country 
schools. At the request of the County Superintendent the County Com- 
missioners made an order on July 3, 1889, authorizing a set of Welch's 
Classification Records for the use of each school district in the county, 
together with proper blanks for making reports, etc. A circular letter 
was sent out by the County Superintendent to each of the teachers, giv- 
ing information in reference to the examinations that would be required 
for promotion and graduation. Nearly all the schools in the county 
adopted the prescribed course of study and made preparations for their 
students to take part in the examinations that should thereafter be hekL 
The first examination under this arrangement was held on April 18, 1890, 
at a designated place in each township, where schools in such township 
could be represented. Ninety -nine applicants were examined, 34 of 
whom (5 boys and 29 girls) attained the required average, and passed. 
Commencement exercises were held during the early part of June at sev- 
eral places in the county, and on July 1st the final commencement for all 
of those who had passed the examination was held at the opera house in 
Oswego. This work has been continued each year since, with very grat- 
ifying results. The entire graduation thus far is as follows: 1890, 5 
boys, 29 girls, total 34; 1891, 16 boys, 34 girls, total .50; 1893, 23 boys, 
32 girls;, total 55. 

INSTITUTES. 

The first teachers' institute in Labette county was held in Oswego, 
June 1-4, 1869. It was called and conducted by R. J. Elliott, County 
Superintendent, with the assistance of the teachers of the county. Peter 
McVicar, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, was present one 
day, and lectured in the evening. On November 9-12 of the same year 
a second session was held, at Chetopa, under the same general direction, 
with an attendance of 24 teachers. On July 12, 1870, the next session 
was held in Chetopa, under the charge of the Superintendent. Prof. B. 
F. Mudge was present at this institute, and rendered valuable assistance. 
The next session was held in Oswego, commencing June 12, 1871, with 
Colonel J. W. Horner in charge, and 28 teachers in attendance. General 
Eraser, State Superintendent, visited this institute, and lectured. Two 
sessions of the institute were held in 1872, the first at Oswego, commenc- 
ing February 5th, with 35 teachers in attendance ; the second at Chetopa, 



ED UCA 7I0XAL. 215 



commencing November 25th. At the close of this latter session, ou No- 
vember 28th, a countj' teachers' association was formed. In January, 
1873, Miss Mary A. Higby came into office as County Superintendent, 
and continued to hold the position for six years. Under her superiu- 
tendency the institutes were even more successful than they had formerly 
been. One session each year was held at Oswego during the first four 
years of her administration, viz., 1873-76, all of which were well at- 
tended and gave good satisfaction. 

NORMAL INSTITUTES. 

■ In the winter of 1877 the Legislature provided for a four-weeks session, 
with paid instructors, and a charge to those who attended. Previous to 
this the institutes had been only from two to five or six days ; the in- 
struction had been free, generally given by the County Superintendent 
and some of the leading teachers in the county. On August 6, 1877, the 
first institute under this law opened in Oswego, with Prof. J. B. Ho! brook 
as conductor, and over 100 teachers in attendance. The most satisfac- 
tory results were attained. This institute went far toward popularizing 
the idea of a long institute under paid instructors. With the exception 
of two years, all of the normal institutes, commencing with 1877, have 
been held in Oswego. Those for 1880 and 1892 were held at Parsons. 
Up to 1885 the attendance at the institute ranged from about 100 to 135. 
Since that time, with possibly one exception, the attendance has been 
considerably larger, reaching 200 in 1891 and 302 in 1892 ; the latter be- 
ing, it is said, the largest normal institute ever held in the State. The 
institutes have been under the charge of a conductor, with usually two 
and sometimes more assistant instructors. The following is a list of 
the conductors : 1877-78, J. B. Holbrook ; 1879-80, L. M. Knowles ; 1881, 
Buel T. Davis; 1882, Lee Tomlin; 1883, J. N. Ross; 1884, Lee Tomlin ; 
1885-86, J. W. Weltner; 1887, D. E. Sanders; 1888, J. N. E. Monroe; 
1889, C. H. Harris; 1890, T. W. Conway; 1891, C. H. Harris; 1892, J. 
W. Weltner. 

TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION. 

No formal organization of the teachers of the county was had prior to 
1872, although teachers' institutes had been held since 1869. On Novem- 
ber 28, 1872, the teachers' institute having just closed, the teachers who 
had been in attendance came together and organized a county tear'hers' 
association. Miss Mary A. Higby, who had just been elected County 
Superintendent, was elected its first president, and Mrs. E. Williams sec- 
retary. An association has been maintained most of the time since then, 
a part of the time in a very efficient condition, but sometimes indications 
of life were scarcely discernible. The meetings have been sometimes 



216 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

quarterly, and sometimes uot so frequently. Nearly all parts of the 
county have been favored with these meetings, and they have done much 
toward unifying the work In the county and maintaining a sympathy be- 
tween the teachers and the patrons of the schools. 

PRIVATE SCHOOLS. 
A number of parties at one time or another have started private schools 
in various parts of the county, some of which have run for quite a length 
of time, and others have been short-lived. At the close of Miss Mary A. 
Higby's term as County Superintendent she conducted a private school 
for a number of months. Subsequently Mrs. J. R. Boulter taught a pri- 
vate school for quite a length of time. C. C. Robins started a school in 
Oswego, but only conducted it a short time, because of its not being 
sufficiently attended to justify his continuance. B. R. Cunningham as 
w^ell as other parties in Chetopa conducted classes for a greater or less 
length of time. Several similar enterprises have also been had at Par- 
sons. In 1884 Lyman N. Judd opened an institute at Altamont, but fail- 
ing to get a sufficient amount of patronage removed it to Oswego, but 
here, too, he met with less success than he had hoped, and after a short 
time abandoned it. 

COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL. 

No provision has yet been made for establishing a high school in the 

county under the provisions of the law now in force, but during the 

summer of 1892 the County Superintendent arranged for a school to be 

opened at Altamont, with a course of study similar to that contemplated 

by the law for a county high school. T. B. Haiina was secured to take 

charge of the school ; the school board of the Altamont district furnished 

him a room in the new school-house, and on September 15, 1892, he 

opened with an attendance of 18 boys and 1.5 girls. The charge is ^2 

per month. It is hoped that this may be the start of a real county higii 

school. 

HOBSON NORMAL INSTITUTE. 

The Friends' Yearly Meeting of Iowa having decided to establish a 
school for colored children, a committee by them appointed to locate the 
same decided upon its location at Parsons, and on March 23, 1882, the 
school was opened. The basis of the fund for starting this school was 
$1,000, from a legacy left by Mr. Hobson to be used for the benefit of 
colored people, and in his honor the school was named Hobson Normal 
Institute. Prof. D. W. Boles had charge of the school from its organi- 
zation until his death, in July 8, 1890, since which time A. W. Hadley has 
been principal. Both Messrs. Boles and Hadley have been assisted by 



ED UCA TIONAL. 217 



their wives, aud also scholars iu the higher grades have done some teach- 
ing. The institute has a fine two-story frame building on the corner of 
Gandj' avenue and Twenty-fourth street. It is furnished with maps, 
charts, reference books, and other material adapted to the instruction in 
the common branches aud the natural sciences. Eighteen have already 
graduated from the teachers' advanced course, and a larger number have 
completed the teachers' elementary course. Many of these have them- 
selves become teachers iu schools at other points. The school has doue 
a good work, and is likely to prove of permanent worth and to accomplish 
great good. 

OSWEGO COLLEGE. 

The first private school of a high grade established in the county was 
planned and inaugurated by Rev. R. P. Bukey, under the above designa- 
tion. It was located on the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter 
of section 17, township 33, range 21, a little northwest of the city of Os- 
wego. In the summer of 1870 Mr. Bukey erected a very nice-appearing 
two-story frame building, 20 by 36 feet, which contained two good school- 
rooms. Under his employment Miss Mary E. Claypool opened the school 
the first week in September, 1870. She remained in charge of the 
school until the close of the school year the following June, and was the 
only teacher till the close of December. After the school opened the 
attendance was so good and the prospects were so flattering that Mr. 
Bukey planned to largely increase its capacity and to provide for board- 
ing those who came from a distance. He secured the cooperation of 
John D. Gillette, who was a man of some means, and during the fall and 
winter of 1870 erected a two-story 20x26 feet frame addition, and also a 
kitchen aud accompanying rooms, which were ready for occupancy iu 
January, 1871. The teaching force was increased by securing Prof. 
Allen C. Baker as teacher of mathematics. Rev. J. H. Leard was also 
elected president of the college, but his relation to it was only nominal 
that year. The following year the faculty consisted of Rev. J. H. Leard, 
president ; Prof. A. C. Baker, teacher of mathematics ; Miss P. D. Bul- 
lock, teacher of languages; Miss Ella School, teacher of music. Judge 
S. P. Moore was also auuouuced as teacher of commercial law, but uoth- 
iug was ever done in his department. There were several boarding stu- 
dents. Neither of the owners had any practical knowledge of school 
matters, nor was the president able to add any strength to the school. 
The college opened with very bright prospects, and its first year's history 
gave promise of its becoming a permanent and flourishing school. Noth- 
ing but the inability on the part of those in control to comprehend and 
provide for its wants prevented its success. After the second year the 



218 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

school hardly had au existence. The original building was purchased 
by Mrs. Bettis, who removed it to town and transformed it into a resi- 
dence. The addition was also brought to town, and out of the material 
a store was constructed. 

OSWEGO COLLEGE FOR YOUNG LADIES. 

At a meeting of the Neosho Presbytery, held at Garnett, Kansas, Oc- 
tober 3, 1882, a resolution was adopted looking to the establishment of a 
college within the bounds of the presbytery, and a committee was ap- 
pointed to report thereon. The committee having reported favorably, 
Rev. Austin Warner was appointed a committee to lay the matter before 
the synod, which he did at its October meeting at Ottawa, 1882 ; and on 
October 6th, upon the report of the committee, the synod authorized the 
presbytery to proceed with the establishment of a school as by them pro- 
posed. The next day, at a called meeting of the presbytery, a committee 
of five was appointed to take into consideration the matter of the estab- 
lishment of such school. A special meeting of the presbytery was called, 
to be held at Oswego, May 8, 1883, at which it was voted to establish the 
school at Oswego, and the following were elected as a board of trustees, 
viz. : Rev. C. H. McCreery, Rev. D. M. Moore, Rev. W. C. Porter, Rev. 
A. Warner, Rev. John Elliott, B. W. Perkins, C. M. Condon, C. O. Per- 
kins, and Porter Sawyer. Of this board of trustees, B. W. Perkins was 
elected president. Rev. John Elliott secretary, and C. M. Condon treas- 
urer. A few changes were subsequently made in the board. Rev. W. S. 
Davis was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the removal of Mr. Moore, 
and upon his removal from the State, E. P. Allen was elected to fill the 
vacancy. C. O. Perkins having died, on October 4, 1887, Nelson Case 
was elected to fill vacancy caused by such death. 

On December 23, 1883, the college was incorporated, a charter therefor 
having on that day been filed in the office of the Secretary of State. On 
October 4, 1884, on the request of the presbytery therefor, the Synod of 
Kansas took the college under its jurisdiction. 

In the fall of 1885, the citizens of Oswego purchased the N.W.M of 
S.W.i^ of N.E.i^ of S. 21, T. 33, R. 21, and presented it to the college as 
a site for the school. This property was at the time valued at ■';?17,000. 
It had upon it a large brick residence, which was considered one of the 
finest in the county. In December, 1885, Miss Louise Paull was elected 
principal of the school, and authorized to select other members of the 
faculty; and with the faculty thus chosen the school was opened in the 
brick residence above referred to, January 14, 1886. In 1886 C. H. Mc- 
Creery was elected (nominally) president of the school, with the view of 



ED UCA TIONAL. 211) 



his taking entire charge of its financial management, and devoting his 
time to the raising of funds with which to make improvements and pro- 
vide an endowment. His employment was in no way to affect the con- 
trol of the principal in the management of the school proper. Mr. 
McCreery had served but a few months when family afflictions compelled 
him to resign. Miss Paull continued in charge until the close of the 
spring term, in June, 1887. Miss Susan H. Johnson was thereupon 
elected principal, which position she has continued to fill until the pres- 
ent. In the summer of 1887 a large, new frame building was erected 
upon the college grounds, at a cost of about S12,00(), exclusive of furniture. 

CHAUTAUQUA LITERARY SOCIETY CIRCLES. 
Among the organizations of a literary character which have been 
formed in the county there has probably been no other that has main- 
tained such a permanent existence and clone as much good work as have 
the several branches of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle 
which have been organized and carried on in the county. Small circles 
were organized at Chetopa and Mound Yalley, and regular work was 
done by these for two or three years, but neither circle awakened as 
much interest as did those of Oswego and Parsons. 

CASE CIKCLE. 

This was the first C. L. S. C. to be formed in the county. It was or- 
ganized at Oswego, September 26, 1878, and was maintained for the next 
ten years. Three of its members graduated in the first class in 1882. 
This circle had an average of about 20 pursuing the work designated by 
the general officers. greciax circle. 

This circle was organized at Parsons, April 28, 1885, with a member- 
ship of 12. Its officers were as follows: President, W. J. Wirt; vice- 
president, Minnie Merriman ; secretary, E. G. Roberts. In October 
following, the circle took up the regular course of study, and had an en- 
rollment of 35 members; 13 of its members have graduated, and for six 
years the circle has quite regularly attended the Ottawa Assembly. 

CAKNATIOX CIRCLE. 

In the summer of 1889 a new circle with the above designation was 
organized, the number pursuing the course having become too great to 
do effective work in the Grecian circle, as was thought. This new circle 
had nearly as large a membership as its parent, the Grecian, and has 
done effective work. 



EAILEOADS. 



RAILROADS ATTEMPTED TO BE SECURED. 

Before speaking of the railroads that have been constructed, it may be 
interesting to briefly consider some of the projects which were formed on 
paper, but which never proceeded far enough to materialize into a road 
composed of wood and iron. If Labette county has succeeded in secur- 
ing a large number of miles of railroad within her limits, it has only 
been after repeated efforts and many failures. I shall not attempt to 
speak of all the projects that have been instituted for bringing roads to 
this county, but will mention a few on which some work of a preliminary 
character was done. ^ ^t. s. & s. ely. 

On December 19, 1868, J. F. Newlon and other citizens of the county 
obtained a charter for the Oswego, Fort Scott & Sedalia Railroad Com- 
pany, the purpose of which was to secure the building of a road from 
Sedalia to Oswego. So far as I know, this was the first railroad charter 
obtained by our people. The subsequent building of such a line of road 
to Parsons shows that this first attempt on the part of our citizens was 
not without some basis on which to rest. 

O. r. & EL p. ELY. 

On June 30, 1870, a charter was obtained by R. W. Wright. C. H. 
Bent, and others, for the construction of the Oswego, Parker & El Paso 
Railway. The intention was to secure a road from the northeast to Os- 
wego, and thence southwest to Parker and through the Territory. A 
great many public meetings were held in the interest of this contemplated 
road, and in the fall of 1870 a preliminary survey was made from Chero- 
kee through Oswego to Parker. All that seemed lacking to secure the 
success of this enterprise was the necessary financial aid. 

F. M. & C. E. ELY. 

Among the visions of the eccentric Colonel Hartshorn was one of a 
railroad running from Florida to the Columbia river through Labette 
county. John Elston, R. I). Hartshorn, and others associated with them, 
procured a charter on October 37, 1870, for the construction of the Florida, 
Memphis & Columbia River Railway. It was some time before the defi- 
nite location of this road through the county was agreed upon, and such 

(220) 



RAILROADS. 921 



location was to depend upon tlie aid that could be secured ; but it was 
finally decided to locate it from Columbus through Montana and Parsons. 
During 1871 a number of townships voted bonds to aid in the construc- 
tion of this road. ^^^ ^ ^. ^^. p^ly. 

My impression is that the Memphis & Northwestern Railway Com- 
pany was a reorganization of the F. M. & C. R. Rly. Co. , of which I have 
just spoken, or at any rate, that the two were some way covering the 
same territory. This company did quite an amount of work in the win- 
ter of 1872-3 on the line of road from Columbus to Parsons. Watson 
Bros. & Co., of Montana, were the contractors, and secured a large 
amount of grading to be done and the abutments to be put in for a bridge 
across the Neosho at that point. This was as far as the work went, and 
the contractors lost what they had expended in pushing it thus far. 

S. FT. S. & S. F. ELY. 

Among the many efforts to secure a road from Sedalia or some other 
point to the northeast of this county, was one by the town of Labette, 
soon after its location, in 1870. The Sedalia, Fort Scott & Santa Fe 
Railway Company was organized, and in September, 1870, a preliminary 
survey was made from Fort Scott to Labette. Arriving at the latter 
place, the surveying party received a warm welcome, and were feasted 
at the principal hotel. p ^ ^^ p ely. 

Parsons was never content with her railroad facilities. There are few 
points in any of the adjoining counties to which she has not at some time 
had a projected railroad. In 1873 the proposition was to build a road 
southwest to Independence, and a very large amount of the paper work 
was done to secure it, and some propositions for municipal aid were voted 

"POl^- p. & M. ELY. 

The preliminary work for this road was legally done in 1876. It was 
to run southeast from Parsons through Montana. 

C. O. & W. ELY. 

In 1883 a company was organized to build a road from Oswego through 
the county in a southwesterly direction, and thence on west. Some mu- 
nicipal aid was voted to this road, but not enough to secure its construc- 
tion- S. C. & S. E. ELY. 

In 1886 the Salina, Colorado & Southeastern Railway Company was 
organized, with a view of running a road through Parsons, ]\[ontana and 
Columbus, extended from these points both northwest and southeast. A 
right-of-way was secured, and some grading was done. Municipal aid 
was voted along the line to quite an extent. 



222 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



CHETOPA'S PROJECTS. 

Chetopa was scarcely behind Oswego in her efforts to secure railroad 
advantages. At a very early day steps were taken by her citizens to in- 
duce the building of a road from some point on the Kansas City & Gulf 
Railway so as to give her an outlet to Kansas City and northeastern 
points. Representatives of Mr. Joy visited Chetopa, and delegates from 
that place went to Kansas City, and negotiations were conducted for a 
long time. Possibly we may say the building of the Minden branch was 
a realization of these anticipations. Chetopa also made an effort to 
secure the Atlantic & Pacific, and has always had in view railroad con- 
nections with Baxter Springs and the east. 

RAILROADS CONSTRUCTED. 
From these ineffectual attempts at railroad-building, I wish now to turn 
to those which resulted in securing the end sought. From the first set- 
tlement of the county two lines of road were confidently expected: one 
from the north and the other from the east. What course they would 
pursue on entering the county was only a matter of conjecture. Both 
Oswego and Chetopa expected these two roads, and each took active 
steps toward securing them. While the first efforts of our people were 
made toward securing an eastern outlet, the road from the north was the 
one which their efforts seemed the most likely to secure first. 

M. K. & T. ELY. 

The Union Pacific, Southern Branch, had received a large railroad 
grant with the view of securing its construction down the Neosho valley, 
and it was now in process of building from Junction City in a southeast- 
erly direction. R. S. Stevens was now the general manager, and had 
under him a corps of enthusiastic lieutenants. The chief, with one or 
more of his aides, was early on the field to see what could be secured 
from the municipalities of this county through which it was proposed to 
construct the road. Their expectations of aid were very large. There 
were no bounds to the promises they were ready to make as to what the 
road would do for the various communities through which it was to be 
built, and the demands made of these communities were proportionate to 
the benefits promised. It seemed improbable to secure county bonds, 
nor was there much hope of obtaining aid from any township which did 
not have within it a town of some importance. The railroad officers had 
finally to look to Oswego and Chetopa, and the townships in which they 
were situated, as the chief if not the only points in this coimty from 
which they could expect to receive any aid. These places were repeat- 
edly visited, and the matter of railroad municipal bonds was very largely 
discussed. Both places felt that they were unable to meet the demands 



RAILROADS. 223 



which the officers were makiug upon them. Where the raih-oad officials 
failed to win through the promises of benefits to be derived, thej' were 
uiore successful in securing a compliance with their demands by the dis- 
aster which seemed likely to follow their threatened change of route. Jt 
being apparent that these municipalities were not likely to extend to the 
road the amount of aid which they had demanded, the railroad officials 
proceeded to change the line, which had been originally designated along 
the Neosho river, and a survey for a new route w^as made, commencing 
near the north edges of the county and going w^est of the Labette river, 
and striking the State line several miles west of Chetopa. The citizens 
of Oswego and Chetopa became alarmed. It was evident, as they thought, 
that the construction of a road where thus located would build up towns 
on its line which would compel the abandonment of the sites occupied by 
them. The result was what the railroad officials undoubtedly supposed 
it would be. These towns were now ready to meet all the demands the 
company might make upon them. On February 25, 1870, an immense 
railroad meeting was held at Chetopa, which favored 8100,000 county 
bonds, and if they could not be secured, then township bonds. But one 
man in the town was opposed to the project. About this time Messrs. 
Stevens, Walker, Goss and other railroad officials visited Oswego and 
Chetopa, and arrangements were finally entered into for the construction 
of the road at — or, as it afterwards proved, near — these places, on con- 
dition of their issuance of bonds as agreed upon. Oswego township, 
which could with her assessed valuation legally issue bonds to the amount 
of perhaps ^50,000 or $60,000, was called upon and did vote bonds to the 
amount of 8100,000 to aid this road; Richland township gave S50,000, 
and Chetopa city $25,000 for the same purpose. The voting, issuance 
and delivery of these bonds was secured to the railroad company by a 
personal obligation entered into between the citizens of these two places 
to see the contract complied with. Little opposition was had in either 
place to the voting of the aid thus agreed upon. Of the litigation in re- 
spect to these bonds, and the compromise entered into for their payment 
which afterward took place, I need not here speak. With the aid thus 
promised and secured, the building of the road was rapidly pushed for- 
ward. After reaching the north line of the county, twenty miles of road 
were laid in eleven days, and in one day four miles and 100 feet were 
put down. Having reached and passed through Oswego and Chetopa, on 
Monday, June 6th, the State line was reached, at which time appropriate 
ceremonies were had. The last spike on the Kansas line was driven by 
Col. K. S. Stevens, the general manager, and the first spike across the 
line in the Indian Territory by Col. E. C. Boudinot, the famous Cherokee 



224 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

who had always favored the building of this road. In the evening of 
June G, 1870, the first passenger train which ever entered Labette county 
passed over the road in charge of John C. Hall, conductor, and David 
Dunham, engineer. The Sedalia branch of this road was thereafter 
pushed forward to completion as rapidly as could be done, and on Feb- 
ruary 3, 1871, the connecting rail was laid uniting it with the Junction 
City branch at Parsons ; and on the 5th of that month the first through 
passenger train from Sedalia to Chetopa passed over the road in charge 
of L. S. Hamilton, conductor. 

Machine Shops. — It was the general understanding, when Parsons 
was designated as the point where the two branches would unite, that 
shops would be located at that place. In October, 1871, George W. 
Chess, contractor, broke ground for the round-house and machine shops, 
under the supervision of George Thornton, civil engineer. In December 
following, Proctor and Pardee, contractors, commenced the mason work, 
and by the close of 1872 the machine shops were so far completed as to 
be ready to commence operation, and in May, 1873, the round-house was 
ready to receive engines. 

General, Office. — Theoretically, the general office of the company 
has been at Parsons almost from the first building of the road, but it was 
not until 1892 that practically the offices were located at that point. 

M. K. & C. KLY. 

The Memphis, Kansas & Colorado Railway Company was organized for 
the purpose of securing a road from Cherokee, on the Fort Scott & Gulf 
road, to Parsons, with a view of its extension both ways. The company 
was formed early in 1877. Parsons first voted S10,000 to aid this enter- 
prise, and subsequently, after a protracted discussion, some favoring the 
project and others opposing making any donation, it w^as voted to take 
stock to the amount of ^30,000, the bonds to be delivered upon the com- 
pletion of the road into Parsons. Neosho township voted $5,000 in bonds. 
In April, 1878, the track-laying commenced from Cherokee west, and on 
July 1, 1878, at 10 o'clock at night, the first train arrived m Parsons. 
The officers of Parsons refused to deliver the bonds, on the ground that 
the road was not completed by the time specified in the contract. Liti- 
gation ensued, which was carried to the Supreme Court, wiiere it was 
finally determined that the city was not liable, and the bonds were never 
delivered. In February, 1880, this road was sold to the Kansas City, 
Fort Scott & Gulf Railway Company, and steps were at once taken to 
extend it from Parsons to Cherryvale. No municipal aid was voted 
along the line, but the people of Cherryvale secured the right-of-way as 
an inducement to its construction. The road thus built from Cherokee 



RAILROADS. 225 



to CheiTyvale was uarrow gauge; some two or three years after its com- 
pletion to Cherryvale it was made into a standard-gauge road. 

p. & p. RLY. 

In Deceml^er, 1885, the Parsons & Pacific Railway Company was char- 
tered to build a road from Parsons to Coffeyville. C. H. Kimball and 
Lee Clark were the leading spirits in the movement, and with the aid of 
eastern capitalists whom they enlisted in the enterprise the road was 
constructed, in 1886. On September 20, 1886, the first train ran from 
Mound Valley to Parsons. The company received municipal aid, from 
Parsons 840,0(30, from Mound Valley township S30,000, Canada town- 
ship ^20,000, and some from Montgomery county. 

K. C. «& p. KLY. 

During the building of the Parsons & Pacific road to Coffeyville, a com- 
pany in which the same parties were interested, was formed for the pur- 
pose of extending it from Parsons north to Kansas City. In aid of its 
construction Parsons voted an additional $20,000, and the municipalities 
in the counties north, through which the road ran, extended liberal aid. 
The road was pushed quite rapidly along, and a connection formed with 
the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Gulf, at Paola. 

T>. M. & A. RLY. 

As early as 1884 an organization was formed of prominent men living 
along the proposed line of the Denver, Memphis & Atlantic Railroad for 
the purpose of doing the preliminary work, of securing the right-of-way, 
municipal aid, and putting the work in such shape that capitalists would 
be willing to take hold of the enterprise and build the road. Most of the 
members of this company lived at and between Larned and Chetopa. 
Col. J. B. Cook was the representative from this county in the company. 
Maj, Joseph Henson and Col. John Doniphan, of St. Joseph, Mo., who 
had had some experience in railroad matters and were men of some cap- 
ital, were also members of the company. Municipal aid was voted in 
nearly every township through which the road was to be run. A survey 
and plat was made, and negotiations commenced with Jay Gould for the 
construction of the road. The time in which the road w^as to be built 
under the conditions of the aid first voted having expired before any 
work was done, a second election had to be held and the aid voted again. 
The first plan also was to build a narrow-gauge road. In changing to a 
broad gauge the technical requirements of the law were not observed, 
and legislation had to be secured to cure defects, so that it was not until 
May 22, 1886, that the work began at Chetopa extending the road west 
from that point. Quite an amount of work had been done, commencing 
at Larned and extending east, prior to that. Two days later than this 

— 15 



226 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

the coustnictiou train was put on, and by the close of June it was com- 
pleted as far west as Edna. On July 2, 1886, the first train arrived in 
Chetopa from Edna, and during the summer Coffeyville was reached. 
The following aid was extended to secure the construction of this road 
through this county : A subscription of several hundred dollars by the 
citizens of Chetopa, and municipal aid; from Hackberry township, SIO,- 
000; from Elm Grove township, $20,000; and from Howard township, 

$20,000. NEVADA & MINDEN BKANCII. 

During the fall and winter of 1885-6 efforts were made by different 
citizens of the county to secure the extension of the road from Nevada, 
Mo., in a southwesterly direction, but it was finally determined to build 
it to Chetopa ; that place securing for it the right-of-way for about twenty 
miles and giving it thirty acres of ground in the city for depot and yard 
purposes. During the spring the work on it was rapidly pushed forward, 
and on April 6, 1886, the first train over this branch arrived in Chetopa. 

L. L. & G. E. R. 

It was at first expected that this line of road would run through the 
western part of the county its entire width from north to south, but on 
the organization of Montgomery county it was proposed to change the 
route, and that county voting liberal aid, the proposed location was 
changed so that the road only crosses the northwestern corner of this 
county a short distance and then enters Montgomery. 

ST. L. & S. F. IJLY. 

Tq secure connection with St. Louis was among the first things that the 
citizens of Oswego desired after the town was fairly started. The first 
effort in this direction of which I have any knowledge was the organiza- 
tion of a local company known as the Oswego, Carthage, Mount Vernon 
& Springfield Railway Company, for which R. W. Wright and others 
secured a charter January 27, 1869. On December 9, 1870, the Oswego 
Register published an account of the proposed extension of the Southern 
Pacific Railway from Springfield to Wichita. About that time delegates 
from Oswego attended meetings at Carthage and Columbus, at which the 
project was talked up. — On May 21, 1870, on the petition of quite a num- 
ber of citizens, the Board of County Commissioners made an order sub- 
mitting to the voters of the county a proposition to issue county bonds in 
the sum of $150,000 to the Southern Kansas Railway Company on con- 
dition of its building a road through the county seat, and west as near 
the center of the county as practicable. This left out important points 
in the county through which the road could not pass, and before the day 
fixed upon for voting the proposition was withdrawn. — On December 20, 
1870, a meeting was held at Oswego, at which it was determined to have 



RAILROADS. 227 



an eastrand-west road. On May 23, 1871, Oswego voted ^75,000 in bonds 
for the Atlantic & Pacific Railway. On this proposition there were but 
five votes against the bonds. On June 28, 1871. delegates from Mont- 
gomery, Labette and Cherokee counties met at Oswego, and decided to 
form a local company to aid in procuring the road from Springfield west. 
On August 13, 1871, a charter haviug been procured, the directors of the 
State Line, Oswego & Independence Railway met at Oswego, and organ- 
ized by electing H. G. Webb of Labette county president, Milton Douglas 
of Cherokee county vice-president, A. W. Jay of Cherokee county secre- 
tary, J. B. Emerson of Montgomery county treasurer, and J. J. Browne 
of Labette county attorney. — In September, 1872, a survey for the line 
of road from Miuersville to Oswego was made. Another local company, 
designated the Memphis, Carthage & Northwestern Railway Company, 
had been formed, and contracts for the construction of the road as far as 
Oswego were entered into. A large force of hands was put up(m the 
road, and the grading was nearly completed. While the bonds which 
had been voted could not be legally issued until the road was completed 
to Oswego, still, to aid its construction, by general consent of the citizens 
a part of the bonds of Oswego township were sold and the proceeds ap- 
plied towards paying for the grading. Without going into details, it is 
sufficient to say that this local company failed, and for some time nothing 
further was done toward the extension of the road. On January 4, 1875, 
Joseph Seligman bought this Memphis, Carthage & Xorthwestern road, 
and in February a new company was formed. On March 22, 1875, the 
Pierce City & Kansas Railway Company was consolidated with the State 
Line, Oswego & Independence Railway Company, the consolidated com- 
panies taking the name of the Missouri & Western Railway Company. 
Joseph Seligman was president and Edward Livingston secretary and 
treasurer. Additional bonds were voted by Oswego city and township. 
To show the interest which Oswego felt in securing this road, it may be 
mentioned that one evening at a public meeting held in the court-house 
personal aid to the amount of $32,745 was promised, all of which was 
afterwards paid, to secure this enterprise. On June 15, 1876, definite 
arrangements were made with Seligman for the construction of the road. 
Hobart & Condon were awarded the contract for preparing the road-bed 
from Minersville to Oswego. From this time the work progressed satis- 
factorily, and on Thursday, December 14, 1876, just at dark, the con- 
struction train reached the foot of Commercial street, in the city of 
Oswego. The end of the road remained at Oswego until 1879, when 
arrangements were made for pushing it westward, and during that sea- 
son it was completed as far as Wichita. This construction was done in 



228 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

the name of a local company and with Hobart & Condon as chief con- 
tractors, but as soon as it was completed it came under the management 
of the Frisco company. 

STRIKES. 
There have been at least three strikes upon the M. K. & T. which 
have more or less affected the people of this county. In July, 1877, 
the workmen at other points on the road struck ; the men engaged in 
the shops at Parsons did not formally strike, but appointed a commit- 
tee to confer with the strikers ; work was suspended for some time, but 
matters were finally arranged between the company and its employes so 
that no strike was made in this county. — In March, 1885, the workmen 
In the shops at Parsons, as well as the train-men generally, went out on 
a strike. For a number of days freight traffic was completely blocked, 
but passenger trains continued to be operated. The differences between 
the company and its hands were satisfactorily settled, and they all, or 
nearly all, were taken back into the company's employ. — The most seri- 
ous of all the strikes was in March, 1886. It extended all along the line 
of the road. On March 6th the machine shop whistle at Parsons sounded 
at 10 o'clock A. M., and the entire force of railroad employes ceased work 
and marched out. An effort was made by the Governors of Kansas and 
Missouri to effect a settlement of the matters of difference between the 
company and its hands, but they were unsuccessful. New men were 
employed by the company, but were not allowed to work, the old em- 
ployes being of sufficient force to prevent their performing their duties. 
The strikers placed a guard around the company's property to prevent its 
being injured, but would not allow anyone to assist in moving trains. 
Adjutant General Campbell came down from Topeka and conferred with 
the strikers, but could not prevail upon them to come to any terms. 
Toward the last of March many of the strikers became more desperate 
and defying than they had been at first. Not only was force used to 
prevent freight trains from running and to "kill" the engines on all 
trains that attempted to pull out, but some went so far as to interfere 
with passenger travel. The track just north of the Bachelor creek bridge 
was loosened, and the north-bound passenger train was ditched. Had 
the train been going south instead of north it would have been plunged 
into the creek, and the result would necessarily have been fatal to many 
persons. Attempts were also made to burn some of the bridges. The 
citizens of Parsons organized for the purpose of assisting the company in 
running its trains, but the striking force was so strong that they were 
not able to accomplish their object. On the evening of April 2d seven 
car-loads of the State militia came into Parsons over the Neosho division. 



RAILROADS. 229 



ancl about the same time several more car-loads over the Sedalia divislou, 
and soon thereafter several more cars arrived over the Gulf road. The 
arrival of the soldiers was a complete surprise to the strikers, as they had 
not learned that the militia had been called out. The soldiers at once 
took control of the entire railroad property and prevented anyone from 
entering the premises, placed those who had been employed by the com- 
pany in charge, and at once trains commenced to move. The strike was 
over. The soldiers remained several days, until everything was quiet 
and the citizens' organization felt itself strong enough to preserve the 
peace. The leaders among the strikers were arrested on a criminal 
charge, and a number of them were tried and convicted. They were 
punished by fine and imprisonment in the county jail. The great body 
of those who participated in the strike permanently lost their places in 
the railroad employ, and many of them- were practically financially 
ruined. 



POLITICAL. 



I give the following letter as bearing upon the organization of political 
parties in the county : 

"Lake City, Colo., April 5, 1892. 

"Friend Case : I am not much at writing history, and can only give 
you some of the points where I was interested and so remember them. 
You are right about the organization of the party at Trotter's ford and 
Jacksonville. It was there agreed to make no opposition to the organ- 
ization of the southern part into an independent county. It was also 
agreed that they were to nominate all the candidates for Neosho county 
from the northern part, and that we from the south part should abstain 
from voting for or against them, and should organize on our own account, 
and trust to the Legislature to legalize our action. According to that 
agreement, a mass meeting of the Kepublicans was called soon after, and 
met in the open air outside of Carr & Bridgmau's store, In the east part 
of what is now Oswego. Dr. J. F. Newlon was elected as its chairman, 
and the meeting then proceeded to nominate candidates for Representa- 
tive and for county officers. I was nominated for Representative, Ben. 
Rice for Sheriff, Sam. Collins, John Rice, and I think Norris Harrer, for 
County Commissioners; A. T. Dickerman for County Clerk, I think. 
You can verify these names from the records. After my admission to 
the Legislature the programme was carried out. Although our action 
was irregular, 1 found all the members and State officers willing to ren- 
der any assistance in their power. A resolution was at once introduced 
legalizing my election, and 1 was admitted to my seat. I then went to 
Governor Crawford with our petition for appointment of temporary 
county officers, and had those elected in the fall appointed. 

"The Democratic party in 1866 nominated W. C. Watkins for Repre- 
sentative. Very truly yours, C, jj. Bent." 

GREENBACK ORGANIZATIONS. 

The introduction of greenbacks into the politics of this county (not as 
an element of bribery, but as an organized body of voters) dates from 
1877, when the first ticket was put into the field by the Greenback party. 
But of course there was some work done before that time in the way of 
organizing clubs and disseminating the principles of the party. I am not 
able to say definitely when and where the first organization was effected. 
The first mention which 1 have found of this organization is a card pub- 
lished in the Advance of September 16, 1875, signed by J. W. Caldwell, 
calling a meeting of those who were favorable to organizing a greenback 
club, to be held at Drake's Hall, Chetopa, September 18, 1875. I have^ 

(330) 



POLITICAL. 231 



no information as to whether or not the organization was effected, but 
probably it was not, or if so did not live long. Sometime in 1877 a club 
was organized at the Slocum school-house. District No. 75, in Mound Val- 
ley township. On May 18, 1878, a club was organized at the Valley 
school-house. District No. 72, in Elm Grove township. During this spring 
a number of clubs were organized and a more perfect county organization 
was effected in a convention held at Parsons in April. After 1883 there 
was little life manifested by this party under its organizations as then 
existing. 

THE FARMERS' AND LABORERS' UNION 
Was organized at Mound Valley in the latter part of 188.5. It was con- 
ducted with open doors as a reform club till June 9, 188G, when a secret 
work was adopted and a secret organization perfected by the following 
charter members : George Campbell, Dr. E. Lemon, J. K. Russell, 1. M. 
Evans, W. N. McCoid, William Clark, Joseph Rift", J. White, N. Clark, 
B. F. Miller, B. F. Ralls, and E. H. Barnhart. Under the leadership of 
Mr. Campbell a number of lodges were instituted in this and adjoining 
counties, and the organization was extended to other States. In 1886 
Mr. Campbell established and during 1887 conducted a paper called 
United Labor, for the purpose of giving publicity and strength to the 
new organization. Whatever may have been the good effects of this 
effort on others I do not know, but it proved a very disastrous under- 
taking financially to Mr. Campbell. After spending several thousand 
dollars in the attempt to put it on a paying basis, the publication of this 
official organ ceased, after being conducted about a year. In 1889 this 
organization was merged in that of the Farmers' Alliance and Industrial 
Union. — In the meantime, out of this and other labor organizations there 
had sprung up a new political party, which took the name of the Union 
Labor party, which was organized at Cincinnati, February 22, 1887. 
John W. Breidenthal, being one of the delegates from Kansas, was made 
chairman of the State committee. He at once took active steps towards 
organizing the party in this county. The first club in the county was or- 
ganized at Edna, in March. This was soon followed by others. A mass 
convention was called, to meet at Altamont, August 5, 1887. This meet- 
ing was largely attended. George E. Stone, of Howard township, was 
made chairman. To prevent being imposed upon, a pledge was required 
of all parties participating in its proceedings to support the Union Labor 
ticket: 137 signed this pledge. The party was then organized, and Wm. 
Cook was made chairman of the central committee. To Mr. Breidenthal 
is, in a large measure, due the victory which the party achieved that fall, 
for he was instrumental in bringing a numl)er of their best speakers into 



232 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

the county, among whom were Gen. J. B. AVeaver, PI. A. Streeter, Jesse 
Harper, Moses Hull, and Capt. Geo. W. Bell. With the exception of 
Commissioner, this party elected the entire county ticket that fall. 

FARMERS' ALLIANCE, 

This organization so far as it relates to this county dates from January, 
1889, when Mount Zion Sub-Alliance was organized, in Osage township. 
This was followed by Pleasant Hill, in the same month, and on February 
12th Globe Alliance was organized, in Mound Valley township. These 
organizations were formed by C. Mcllvain. According to one report An- 
gola Alliance was organized before either of those above named. The 
County Alliance was formed at Altamont, on May 18, 1889. It has had 
the following officers: Presidents — G. J. Coleman. E. A. Richcreek, 
Daniel Pfaff, G. J. Colmena, Ben Johnson. Secretaries — C. L. Albin, 
Walter Phillips, Harry Mills, George Campbell. — Out of this, and the 
organizations which preceded it, in 1890 sprang the People's party. 

POLITICAL CONVENTIONS. 

REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTIONS. 

The Republican party in this county was organized in 1866. The fol- 
lowing are the steps taken to secure such organization, and to hold the 
first convention. 

The fore part of August, 1866, a number of Republicans were assem- 
bled at the store of Roe & Dennison, at the Erie postoffice, about a mile 
north of the present site of Erie. Political matters were talked over, 
and it was decided to call a convention at Trotters ford, to organize the 
Republican party. Afterwards, by request of those residing in the south- 
ern part of the county, (in what is now Labette county,) the place of 
meeting was changed from Trotter's ford to Jacksonville. Delegates 
having been selected from all parts of the county in such way as each 
locality chose, they met in convention in a grove some two or three hun- 
dred yards north and about the same distance west of what is now the 
southeast corner of Neosho county, on Saturday, September 8, 1866. A 
Mr. Nugent (?) was chairman, and J. A. Wells secretary. At the request 
of the delegates from the southern part of the county, the nominations 
for the county officers were all made from those residing in the north 
half, with the agreement on their part that at the next session of the 
Legislature the county should be divided. On motion of G. W. Kings- 
bury, it was voted that when the division was made the southern part 
should be called (as they then wrote the word) La Bet county. J. S. 
Waters was recognized as the chairman of the delegation from the south- 
ern half of the county. 



POLITICAL. 233 



Following we give a summary of various political conventious which 
have been held in Labette county, from 1866 to 1892, inclusive: 

lu October, 1866, a Rei)ublicau convention was called for the proposed 
new county of "La Bet" (alluded to above). It met in the open air near 
Carr & Bridgmans store, Oswego; J. F. Newlon chairman, A. T. Dick- 
erman secretary. The following ticket was nominated: County clerk, 
A. T. Dickerman; sheriff, Benjamin A. Rice; clerk district court, Elza 
Craft; register of deeds, George Bent; county assessor, Jabez Zink; pro- 
bate judge, David C. Lowe; county treasurer, C. C. Clover; superintend- 
ent public instruction, J. F. Newlon; coroner, G. W. Kingsbury; repre- 
sentative, Charles H. Bent; commissioners, S. W. Collins, C. H. Talbot, 
and Bergen Van Ness. 

J. S. Waters, chairman central committee. 

March, 1867, open air, near Carr A: Bridgman's store, Oswego; J. F, 
Newlon chairman, A. T. Dickerman secretary. County clerk. A. T. 
Dickerman; county treasurer, C. C. Clover; sheriff, Benjamin A. Rice; 
county assessor, Francis Wall; clerk district court, R. 8. Cornish; pro- 
bate judge, Bergen Van Ness; register of deeds, Elza Craft: superintend- 
ent public instruction, John F. Newlon: coroner, George W. Kingsbury; 
surveyor, Z. Harris; commissioners, Nathan Ames, William Shay, and 
David C. Lowe. 

September 1, 1867, Benj. A. Rice, chairman. Representative Eighty- 
fifth district, J. S. Waters: sheriff, John N. Watson; coroner, G. W. 
Kingsbury; county clerk, C. E. Simons: county attorney, W. J. Parkin- 
son; county treasurer, Bergen Van Ness; probate judge, David C. Lowe; 
commissioners, Isaac Butterworth, William Logan, J. F. Molesworth; 
superintendent public instruction, Enos Reed; clerk district court. R. S. 
Cornish: county surveyor. S. R. Southwick; register, Charles Beggs; 
county assessor, J. R. Morrison. 

C. H. Bent chairman central committee, J. S. Waters secretary. 

September, 1868, Oswego.* Representative Eighty-fifth district. Dr. 
D. D. McGrath; probate judge, H. M. Minor; superintendent public in- 
structiou, R. J. Elliott; county attorney, Walter P. Bishop; county clerk, 
Charles C. Beggs; clerk district court, Robert Steele; county commis- 
sioner first district, Elisha Hammer. 

E. R. Trask chairman central committee, W. H. Carpenter secretary. 

September 17, 1869, court-house, Oswego. Probate judge, AV. H. 
Witlock: treasurer, Harvey I. Cox; sheriff. J. C. Wilson: county attor- 
ney, J. S. AVaters; county clerk, L. C. Howard; register, P. H. Cherry; 
surveyor, E. G. Davidson; coroner, James Logan; commissioners, first 
district Gilbert Martin, second J. S. Anderson, third James H. Beggs. 

E. Hammer chairman central committee, E. D. Graybill secretary. 

September 17, 1870, court-house, Oswego; J. AV. Horner chairman. C. 
H. Lewis secretary. Representative p:iglity-fifth district, J. M. Mahr on 
third ballot over I. AA^ Patrick and C. H. Bent: probate judge, B. AA\ 
Perkins on third ballot over J. Demorst and Davis A'ulgamore: county 
attorney, J. S. AA^aters, by acclamation; superintendent public instruc- 

*Tn all cases where possible, the names of chairmen and secretaries are given, but 
in ^orae instances no record of these could be found. 



23tl: HISTORY OF LABET7E COUNTY. 



tion, J. W. Horner ou first ballot over R. J. Elliott and D. C. Constant; 
clerk district court, D. S. Morrison on first ballot over Robert Steel and 

E. D. (xraybill; surveyor, G. T. Walton by acclamation, provided David- 
son does not get back; commissioner first district, Samuel Ballentine on 
first ballot over David Stanfield. 

T. E. Clark chairman central committee, E. D. Graybill secretary. 

October 7, 1871, held at the court-honse, Oswego; J. W. Horner chair- 
man, E. E. Hastings secretary. Sheriff, L. S. Crum on first ballot over 
J. C. Wilson; register, I. W. Patrick on second ballot over J. G. Steel, 
R. E. Holloway, Levi Seabridge, and Thomas Irish; county clerk, L. C. 
Howard on first ballot over K. J. Elliott, E. D. Graybill, and George T. 
Walton; treasurer, C. F. Smith on first ballot over N. Sanford; coroner, 
J. F. Newlon on first ballot; surveyor, S. R. South wick, by acclamation; 
commissioners, first district Henry Stewart, second J. H. Tibbits, third 
W. H. Carpenter. 

J. W. Horner chairman central committee, T. C. Cory, secretary. 
August 7, 1872, Horner resigned as chairman of the central committee, 
and J. S. Waters was elected in his place, and F. B. McGill secretary. 

October 5, 1872, at court-house, Oswego; E. B. Stevens chairman, I. 
O. Pickering secretary. Senator Fifteenth district, J. H. Crichton, on 
third ballot, over J. S. Waters and J. J. Woods; probate judge, B. W. 
Perkins, by acclamation; county attorney, E. C. Ward on second ballot 
over David Kelso, W. B. Glasse, T. L. Darlow; clerk district court, R. J. 
Elliott, on third ballot, over Wm. Houck, John Hamblin, D. S. Morrison; 
coroner, William Pinkerton, by acclamation; superintendent public in- 
struction, Mary A. Higby, on first ballot over W. A. Starr, E. H. Tay- 
lor, Keirsey Cook; commissioner second district, J. B. Cook, who declined 
nomination, and George Farland was substituted by central committee. 

F. B. McGill chairman central connnittee, S. O. Fletcher secretary. 

October 11, 1873, at court-house, Oswego; Josephus Moore chairman, 
H. L. Partridge secretary. Probate judge, S. L. Coulter; treasurer, C. 

F. Smith: sheriff, S. O. Fletcher, on second ballot over J. N. Watson; 
county clerk, J. B. Cook, on first ballot over L. C. Howard and Saml. 
Collins: register, I. W. Patrick, by acclamation; surveyor, Samuel F. 
Terrill, by acclamation; coroner, D. B. Crouse, by acclamation; commis- 
sioners, first district John Nelson, second P. B. Clark, third W. A. Starr. 
Decided to make no nomination for representative of the Forty-third dis- 
trict; Forty-fourth district, W. H. Mapes. 

R. J. Elliott chairman central connnittee, Willard Davis secretary. 

September 26, 1874, at court-house, Oswego; E. B. Stevens chairman, 
L. M. Bedell secretary. Senator Fifteenth district, J. H. Crichton on 
second ballot over T. C. Cory, D. Kelso, and W. H. Mapes; clerk dis- 
trict court, H. C. Cook on second ballot over R. J. Elliott, E. B. Newton, 
and Wm. Houck; superintendent public instruction, Mary A. Higby on 
first ballot over J. G. Coleman and x\llen C. Baker; county attorney, 
Willard Davis, by acclamation; coroner, J. G. Coleman, by acclamation. 

C. H. Bent chairman central committee, V. J. Knapp secretary. 

October 2, 1875, court-house, Oswego; J. S. Waters chairman, G. W. 
Hawk secretary. Treasurer, George M. Caldwell, by acclamation; sheriff, 
S. B. Abbott ou first ballot over J. H. Golden and J. A. Mapes: county 



POLITICAL. 235 



clerk, S. T. Herman, by acclamation; register, I. W. Patrick, by accla- 
mation; coroner, D. B. Grouse, by acclamation; surveyor, S. R. South- 
wick on second ballot over George Thornton and Charles McClung: 
commissioners,- first district J. J. Woods, second W. M. Mabery, third 
W. A. Starr. 

J. M. Cavaness chairman central committee, S. O. Fletcher secretary. 

September 16, 1876, court-house, Oswego; Major H. W. Martin 
chairman, George Thornton secretary. Senator Fifteenth district, J. H. 
Crichton on seventh ballot over M. W. Reynolds, J. G. Coleman, H. G. 
Webb, and W. B. Glasse; probate judge, S. L. Coulter, by acclamation; 
clerk district court, H. C. Cook, by acclamation; county attorney, J. S. 
Waters, by acclamation; superintendent public instruction, Mary A. Higby 
on first ballot over L. J. VanLandingham, Keirsey Cook, A. C. Baker. 

W, B. Glasse chairman central committee, F. B. McGill secretary. 

September 22, 1877, court-house, Oswego; Major H. W. Martin chair- 
man, C. A. Wilkin secretary. Treasurer, G. M. Caldwell, by acclama- 
tion; register, 1. W. Patrick on first ballot over W. A. Starr; county 
clerk, T. A. Fellows, by acclamation; sherifi:', 1). M. Bender on fourth 
ballot over S. B. Abbott, J. W. H. Golden, and George Campbell; sur- 
veyor, George Thornton; coroner, W. R. Moore; commissioners, first 
district H. S. Coly, second W. J. Herrod, third J. B. Swartz. 

F. B. McGill chairman central committee, George Thornton secretary, 

September 14, 1878, court-house, Oswego; D. Kelso chairman, L. M. 
Bedell secretary. Clerk district court, H. C. Cook; county attorney, J. 
S. Waters; superintendent public instruction, Allen C. Baker; commis- 
sioner first district, T. E. Clark. 

C. H. Kimball chairman central committee, D. M. Bender secretary. 

April 24, 1879, opera house, Oswego; R. W. Wright chairman, L. M. 
Bedell secretary. Treasurer, George Thornton on first ballot over M. M. 
Kingsbury; sheriff, D. M. Bender on first ballot over J. W. H. Golden, 
D. H. David, and C. B. Woodford; register, I. W. Patrick on first ballot 
over J. M. Morgan, E. B. Baldwin, and George Poland; county clerk, 
W. H. Keirsey on first ballot over A. T. Dickerman, and F. G. Hunt; 
surveyor, J. M. Wells, by acclamation; coroner, W. W. luglish on first 
ballot over Dr. N. M. Miller; commissioner second district, A. N. Russell 
on second ballot over George Hildreth, J. W. Mason, D. F. Noblett, 
Michael Noel, and A. W. Darling. 

C. H. Kimball chairman central committee, R. W. Wright secretary. 

September 25, 1880, opera house, Oswego; J. S. Waters chairman, F. 
W. Felt and A. H. Tyler secretaries. Senator Fifteenth district, W. B. 
Glasse on third ballot over C. H. Kimball, M. W. Reynolds, and H. W. 
Itlartin; probate judge. Nelson Case on first ballot over A. H. Ayres, 
Wm. Starr, and H. W. I^Iartin: county attorney, L. C. True on first bal- 
lot over J. D. Conderman and J. E. Bryan; clerk district couit. H. C. 
Cook, by acclamation; superintendent public instruction, M. Chidester 
on second ballot over J. F. Hill, Nathan Williams, and Allen C. Baker; 
commissioner third district, J. J. Henderson. 

J. S. Waters chairman central committee, J. E. Bryan secretary. 

September 24, 1881, Oswego; J. S. Waters chairman, E. W. Bedell sec- 



236 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



retary. Treasurer, George M. Caldwell ou first ballot over George Thorn- 
ton and G. S. McDole; register, A. M. Fellows ou fifth ballot over I. W. 
Patrick, Marshall Johnson, Jesse M. Morgan, and James Paxton; sheriff, 

D. M. Bender on second ballot over J. W. Wilson, S. B. Abbott, U. H. 
David, J. W. H. Golden, and C. E. Simons; county clerk, F. ^Y. Felt ou 
second ballot over W. A. Starr and W. H. Keirsey; surveyor, B. R. Cun- 
ningham, by acclamation; coroner, Lewis Peterson ou first ballot over S. 
M. Gregory. 

J. S. Waters chairman central committee, J. H. Morrison secretary. 

September 29, 1882, Oswego; Thomas O'Hare chairman, L. M. Bedell 
secretary. County attorney, 1j. C. True ou first ballot over T. C. Cory 
and J. E. Bryan; probate judge, Nelson Case, by acclamation; clerk dis- 
trict court, H. C. Cook, by acclamation; superintendent public instruc- 
tion, Anna C. Baker ou third ballot over O. M. McPherson, M. Chidester, 
B. R. Cunningham, and W. F. Schoch; coroner, H. C. Richardson, by 
acclamation; commissioner second district, C. M. Keeler on first ballot 
over A. N, Russell and A. T. Dickerman. 

T. J. Calvin chairman central committee, L. M. Bedell secretary. 

October 20, 1883, Oswego; J. E. Bryan chairman, O. M. McPherson 
secretary. Treasurer, C. W. Littleton on first ballot over M. L. Trotter; 
register, Asa Smith on first ballot over E. B. Baldwin and N. M. Miller; 
county clerk, F. W. Felt, by acclamation; sheriff, J. T. Lampsou on sec- 
ond l)allot over Andrew Kaho, C. E. Simons, C. B. Woodford, and W. H. 
Webb; surveyor, B. R. Cunningham, by acclamation; coroner, Ed. Dor- 
sey, by acclamation; commissioner third district, J. E. Brooks, by accla- 
mation. 

J. H. Morrison chairman central committee, Jess Brockway secretary. 

September (5, 1884, Oswego; Thomas O'Hare chairman, S. W. Kuiflfin 
secretary. Senator Ninth district, C. H. Kimball on first ballot over 
J. B. Swartz and J. E. Bryan; county attorney, J. D. Conderman ou 
third ballot over W. B. Glasse and J. H. Morrison; clerk district court, 

E. B. Baldwin on first ballot over W. W. Cook; probate judge, S. L. 
Coulter on first ballot over Isaac Hill; superintendent public instruction, 
Mrs. Anna C. Baker, by acclamation; commissioner first district, D. A. 
Jones on second ballot over J. F. Hill, Louis YouTrebra, and J. C. Mc- 
Knight; commissioner second district, to fill vacancy, J. M. Mason on 
third ballot over Peter Shufelt, J. N. Tibbets, M. Noel, and William 
Slaughter. 

T. C. Cory chairman central committee, S. O. Fletcher secretary. 

October 17, 1885, opera house, Oswego; J. B. Swartz chairman, S. T. 
Herman secretary. Treasurer, C. W. Littleton, by acclamation; regis- 
ter, Asa Smith, by acclamation; sheriff, C. B. Woodford on first ballot 
over 1. N. Cornelius, J. T. Lampsou, W. H. Sharp, and Joseph Craft; 
county clerk, W. W. Cook on second ballot over O. E. Woods and W. J. 
Quick; surveyor, W. W. Dentler ou first ballot over J. M. Hart; coroner, 
E. W. Dorsey, by acclamation. 

H, H. Lusk chairman central committee, A. H. Tyler secretary. 

On October 10, 1885, a convention was held at Edna, at which James 
Wilmoth was nominated for commissioner of second district. 



POLITICAL. 237 



October 9, 1886, opera house, Oswego; J. W. Mai'ley cliairmau, J. W 
Weltner and L. M. Bedell secretaries. County attorney, T. C. Cory oii 
first ballot over J. D. Coudernian and Jess Brockway; probate judge, T 
J. Calvin on first ballot over Isaac Hill and F. H. Atchinson; clerk dis- 
trict court, E. B. Baldwin on first ballot over W. E. Crawford; su])erin- 
tendent public instruction, Mrs. Anna Hickenbottom on second ballot 
over Mrs. Anna C. Baker, C. C. Bobbins, L. Tonilin, J. W. Iden, and 
Mrs. Susan C. Keefe; commissioner third district, J. E. Brooks. 

J. W. Marley chairman central committee, M. E. Williams secretary. 

August 27, 1887, Oswego; S. T. Herman chairman, Abe Steinbarger 
and H. H. Lusk secretaries. Treasurer, W. F. Thorne on first ballot 
over B. R. Van Meter and AVilliam Slaughter; register, J. A. Flora on 
fifth ballot over O. S. Kliser, Ella Wood, Wilf Cooper, and J. A. Lough: 
sheriff, J. T. Lampson on seventh ballot over C. B. Woodford, D. M. 
Bender, I. N. Cornelius, and A. M. Newman: county clerk, w'ylie W 
Cook, by acclamation; surveyor, E. P. Bayless, by acclamation; coroner* 
J. T. Finley on first ballot over Rep Smith; commissioner first district' 
D. A. Jones. ' 

S. T. Herman chairman central committee, Joseph Craft secretary. 

September 1, 1888, Oswego; J. B. Swartz chairman, W. F. Thrall 
secretary. Senator Tenth district, C. H. Kimball, by acclamation; county 
attorney, J. H. Morrison on fourth ballot over A. A. Osgood, F. H. 
Atchinson, M. E. Williams, J. D. Conerman: probate judge, T.' J. Cal- 
vin, by acclamation; clerk district court, Colin Hodge on fourth ballot 
over J. S. Hileman, Ira F. Adams, H. H. Graue, W. H. Hunter, and 
George Hildreth; superintendent public instruction, Agnes Baty on third 
ballot over A. D. Martin, S. L. Fogleman. 

L. S. Crum chairman central committee, W. W. Cook secretary. 

August 31, 1889, Parsons; J. B. Swartz chairman, Thomas O'Hare 
and Evelyn B. Baldwin secretaries. Treasurer, William Slaughter, by 
acclamation; register, J. A. Flora on third ballot over B. R. YauMe'ter 
J. S. Odell; sheriff, W. H. Sharp on fifth ballot over J. E. Brooke S B* 
Shaffer, J. B. Pickering, A. J. Kirby, and W. J. Webb; county clerk 
George Tilton; surveyor, J. W. Boggess: coroner, Thomas J. Finlev 
commissioner, J. W. Scott on first ballot over C. J. Darling. 

W. W. McEwen chairman central committee, J. L. Magiunis secretary. 

August 23, 1890, Oswego; J. B. Cook chairman. A. H. Tyler secre- 
tary. County attorney, W. F. Schoch, by acclamation; probate judge, 
R. M. Hart, by acclamation; clerk district court, Colin Hodge, by accla- 
mation; superintendent public instruction, Fannie Smith on first ballot 
over Samuel Wade; commissioner first district, B. D. Roberts. 

L. S. Crum chairman central committee, W. W. Cook secretary. 

September 5, 1891, Mound Valley; M. Byrne chairman, W. W. Cook 
secretary. Treasurer, William Slaughter: county clerk, Geo. W. Tilton- 
register, J. C. Richcreek on third ballot over J. W. Fee, J. A. Flora, L. 
G. Bigwood; sheriff, A. Kaho on third ballot over W. H. Sharp, I.' N. 
Cissua, A. W. Newman, D. M. Bender, J. E. Brooks, and J. W. Bennett: 
coroner, T. J. Finley on first ballot over Jacob Crump and S. O. Clayton: 
surveyor, M. C. Gatt'ey on first ballot over J. W. Boggess. 

W. F. Schoch chairman central committee, Colin Hodge secretary. 



238 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY 



August 1(), 1892, Parsons; W. G. Hoover chairman, W. K. Hayes and 
C. S. Newlon secretaries. Senator, W. W. McEwen, by acclamation: 
county attorney, A. I). Neale on third ballot over M. Byrne, J. W. Iden, 
and J). H. Wilson; probate judge, H. H. Graue was nominated on first 
ballot over A. T. Dickerman and W. F. Grierson, but as he had not been 
a candidate for that office he declined to accept the nomination, and W. 
F. Grierson was nominated on second ballot over A. T. Dickerman; clerk 
district court, E. C. Clark on first ballot over H. H. Graue; superintend- 
ent public instruction, A. D. Martin, by acclamation; commissioner third 
district, J. W. Scott, by acclamation, 

D. C. Rockhold chairman central committee, U, S. Harr secretary, 

REPUBLICAN EEPIiESENTATIVE CONVENTIONS. 

Forty-tldrd District. — October 7, 1871, Oswego; W. H. Carpenter 
chairman, H. L, Partridge secretary. Joseph J. Woods nominated on 
tiiird ballot over W. H. Carpenter and Josephus Moore. — October 12, 
1872, Parsons; J. J. Woods chairman, S. O, Fletcher secretary, W. W. 
Harper on first ballot over J. H, Tibbets,— October 11, 1873, Oswego; 
W. W. Harper.— 1874, Parsons; J. J. Woods.— October 9, 1875, Par- 
sons; A, North chairman, R. E. Holloway secretary, M. W. Reynolds, 
by acclamation. 

Forty -fourth Bi.strict.—Octohev 7, 1871, Oswego. D. C. Constant on 
first ballot over Alexander Bishop.— October 5, 1872, Oswego; B, W, 
Perkins chairman, Sylvester Cook secretary. W. H. Mapes, by acclama- 
tion,— October 11, 1873, Oswego; W, H. Mapes.— September 26, 1874, 
Chetopa; W. P. Bishop chairman, N. Sanford secretary. J. C. McKnight 
on first ballot over R. W, Wright and S. M. Canady.— October 9, 1875, 
Chetopa; J. C, Watson chairman, E. W. Bedell secretary. Owen AVim- 
mer on third ballot over R, W. Wright, C. H. Bent, and E. Johnson, 

Forty-fourth District.— October 7, 1876. Parsons; S, Mayginnis chair- 
man, W, L, Winter secretary. M. W, Reynolds on first ballot over 
W. A. Starr.— September 28, 1878, Parsons; A. H. Ayres chairman, 
Wm. Horsfall secretary. M. W. Reynolds on first ballot over Frank 
AVebb,— September 27, 1880. J. B. Swartz on first ballot. 

Forty-fifth District.— Se\:)temher 9, 1876, Oswego; AA". H. Mapes 
chairman, W. B, Glasse secretary. F. A. Bettis on first ballot over James 
Paxton and R. AA". AA^right.— September 4, 1878, Oswego; E. D. Keir- 
sey chairman, S, M. Canaday secretary. F. A. Bettis on thirtieth ballot 
over F. B. McGill, H, W. Barnes, J. L. AVilliams and others,- Septem- 
ber 25, 1880, Oswego, J. S. Waters on fourth ballot over R, AV. AVright 
and J, L, AVilliams. 

Forty-sixth District.— September 23, 1876, Chetopa; G. AV. Jenkins 
chairman, S. T. Herman secretary. J. H. Tibbits on first ballot over 
H.AA^ Martin and Owen AVimmer.— September 21, 1878, Chetopa; Tim 
Kay chairman, George H, Bates secretary. T, J. Calvin on sixtieth bal- 
lot over H. AV. Martin, Alex. Duncan, and J. H. Crichton.— September 
22, 1880; L. M. Bedell chairman, J. F. Hill secretary. T. J. Calvin, 
by acclamation. 

Thirty -third District.— September 9, 1882, Parsons; S. Mayginnis 
chairman, Lee Clark secretary. AV, L. Simons nominated on first ballot 



POLITICAL. 239 



(iiifornial), but decliued; ou secoud ballot J. W. Fee nominated over 
J. B. Swartz and S. L. Obenchaius. — September 23, 1884, Parsons. 
David Kelso on first ballot. 

TJdrty-fourth District. — September 29, 1882, Oswego: E. D. Keirsej' 
cliairman, A. Kaho secretary. J. S. Waters on first ballot over H. C. 
Richardson. — September 6, 1884, Oswego; James Paxson chairman. Wm. 
Ilouck secretar}'. H. C. Cook, by acclamation. 

Thirty-fifth District. — September 28. 1882. Chetopa; Wesley Paurot 
chairman, E. W. Bedell secretary. J. H. Crichtou on first ballot. — Sep- 
tember 22, 1884, Chetopa; K.A. Bartlett chairman, Joe K. Hill secretary. 
J. B. Cook, by acclamation. 

Twenty-eighth District. — September 2.5, 1886, Parsons. F. Pt. Mor- 
ton. — September 2, 1888, Parsons; J. H. Beatty chairman, V. J. Knapp 
secretary. W. W. Cranston nominated on first ballot. — August 30, 
1890, Parsons; W. H. Thome chairman, M. Byrne secretary. A. H. 
Tyler on second ballot over J. M. Birt and C. J. Darling. — October 4, 
1890, a second convention was held to act on the matter of Mr. Tyler's 
withdrawal, he having signified to the central committee his willingness 
to withdraw. His action was accepted, and J. M. Birt was nominated in 
his place. 

Twenty-ninth District. — October 9, 1886, Oswego; J. W. Marley 
chairman, M. E. Williams secretary. J. H. Morrison on first ballot over 
H. C. Cook. — September 13, 1888, Altamont; W. F. Schoch chairman, 
M. E. AVilliams secretary. H. S. Coley on first ballot over J. J. Miles. — 
September 13, 1890, Altamont; H. M. Debolt chairman, W. K. Orr 
secretary. J. H. Morrison, by acclamation. 

Thirtieth District. — October 16, 1886, Chetopa; J. C. McKnight chair- 
man, Bayard T. Buines secretary. J. J. Slaughter on second ballot over 
J. S. Hileman, B. D. Roberts, Colin Hodge, and Isaac Butterworth. — 
October 2. 1888. Edna; J. E. Snevely chairman, Presley McKnight sec- 
retary. J. S. Hileman, by acclamation. — Septeml)er 6, 1890, Edna; 
E. A. Herrod chairman, M. N. Baldwin secretary. W. J. Raymond, by 
acclamation. 

Twenty-sixth District. — September 3, 1892, Parsons; J. W. Fee chair- 
man, J. D. Lusk secretary. D. M. Bender on first ballot over Arch Wade. 

Twenty-seventh District. — September 20, 1892, Chetopa; T. J. Calvin 
chairman. Dr. C. S. Newlon secretary. W. G. Hoover, by acclamation. 

DEMOCRATIC COUXTY CONVENTIONS. 

In October, 1866, an informal Democratic caucus was held at a spring 
on Short's claim, in section 22, Montana township. D. M. Clover was 
cliairman and M. A. Victor secretary. It was attended quite generally 
by the Democrats in the community, and the sentiment was to vote a 
Democratic ticket. In view of this they nominated a full county ticket. 
1 have obtained only partial information respecting it. A part of the 
ticket was as follows: W. C. Watkins for representative, H. C. Bridgman 
for county clerk, Nelson Carr for county treasurer, Samuel Dunham su- 
perintendent public instruction. 

October, 1867, Democratic caucus in Buntain building, Oswego, W. 
C. Watkins nominated for representative Eighty-fifth district, H. C. 



240 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



Bridgmaii for county treasurer. The rest of the ticket was left for par- 
ties to run independent. Dr. J. B. Thurman ran for probate judge. 

September 19, 1868, Fleming building, Oswego; J. D. McCue chair- 
man, J. F. Waskey secretary. Representative Eighty-fifth district, W. 
C. Watkius; superintendent public instruction, Jacob Ruble: county 
commissioner, G. W. Franklin; county attorney, N. L. Hibbard; county 
clerk, D. W. Clover; clerk district court, E. Wells; probate judge, John 
Richardson. 

In 1869 no convention was held, a caucus deeming it best to let parties 
run independent who wished to oppose the Republican ticket. 

Saturday, Ju>y 23, 1870, court-house, Oswego. M. Y. B. Bennett made 
a speech, and steps were taken to effectually organize the party in the 
county: what had been done theretofore having been rather informal, 
and hardly regular party action. A county convention was called for 
September 10, 1870, at Oswego, which assembled, and adjourned to Sep- 
tember 24th, after electing W. P. Lamb and M. V. B. Bennett delegates 
to the state convention. 

September 24, 1870, Oswego; D. J. Doolen chairman, George Huston 
secretary. D. C. Hutchinson, representative Eightj'-fifth district; J. A. 
Cox, probate judge; L. F. Fisher, county attorney; J. J. Browne, super- 
intendent public instruction; J. M. Cunningham, clerk district court; J. 
M. Richardson, commissioner third district. 

M. V. B. Bennett, chairman central committee. August 5, 1871, J. J. 
Browne elected in the place of Bennett, resigned; J. F. Waskey secretary. 

October 21, 1871, Oswego; J. J. Browne chairman. Sheriff, G. W. 
Franklin; treasurer, J. F. Waskey; county clerk, G. W. Houston: regis- 
ter, Frank Campbell; surveyor. Wade H. Prichard; coroner, G. D. Boon; 
commissioner first district, D. J. Doolen; third district, J. M. Richard- 
son; representative Forty-fourth district, Gilbert A. Cooper. 

J. J. Browne, chairman central committee. 

August 24, 1872, Oswego: J. J. Browne chairman, J. F. Waskey 
secretary. Democratic and Liberal Republican conventions in session at 
same time; H. L. Taylor chairman and J. M. Mahr secretary Liberal 
convention. Each convention instructed its central committee to confer 
and unite in calling a county convention to nominate a fusion ticket. 

October 18, 1872, court-house, Oswego; H. L. Taylor chairman, J. J. 
Browne secretary; Democratic-Liberal convention. Senator Fifteenth 
district, William Dick; probate judge, Thomas H. Bruner; county attor- 
ney, R. M. Donally; clerk district court, J. H. Macon; superintendent 
public instruction, David Donovan; coroner, A. P. Johnson; commis- 
sioner second district, C. M. Monroe; representatives. Forty-third district 
T. C. Cory, Forty-fourth Christian Lieb. 

No convention held in 1873. 

In 1874 the Democrats united with Liberal Republicans, and held a 
Democratic -Reform convention, Octoljer 14, 1874, Labette City; Wil- 
liam Dick chairman. Senator Fifteenth district, J. M. Mahr on first 
ballot; district clerk, R. C. Taylor on first ballot over A. J. Cary; county 
attorney, J. G. Parkhurst, by acclamation; probate judge, H. C. Blanch- 



POLITICAL. 941 



ard on first ballot over S. L. Coulter (not present); superintendent public 
instruction, E. H. Taylor on first ballot over Mary A. Higby; represent- 
ative Forty-third district, Wm. Dick on first ballot over C. M. Monroe 
and J. C. Mervvin; representative Forty-fourth district, W. T. Cunning- 
ham and D. J. Doolen were successively nominated and declined, after 
which Henry Tibbets was nominated by acclamation. 
J. B. Lamb, chairman central committee. 

October 8, 187.5, Oswego; R. M. Donally chairman. Dr. ]M. M. Mil- 
ligan secretary. Treasurer, A. J. Cary, by acclamation; sheriff, Nixon 
Elliott on first ballot over J. H. Macon and W. M. Rogers; county clerk, 
L. C. Howard, by acclamation; surveyor. Wade Prichard, by acclama- 
tion; register, R. C. Taylor, by acclamation; coroner. Dr. M. M. Milligan, 
by acclamation; commissioners, first district D. J. Doolen, second Chris- 
tian Lieb, third J. H. Martin; representative Fortj^-third district G. W. 
Graybill, Forty-fourth H. G. Webb. 

J. B. Lamb chairman central committee, T. B. J. Wheat secretary. 

September 23, 1876, court-house, Oswego; R. M. Donally chairman, 
Nixon Elliot secretary. Senator Fifteenth district, Angell Matthewson, 
by acclamation; county attorney, W. P. Talbot on first ballot over G. W. 
Fox; probate judge, D. J. Doolen on first ballot over Dr. J, Spruill; 
clerk district court, I. H. Fry, by acclamation; superintendent public in- 
struction, Mrs. Hattie Coleman, by acclamation. 

G. W. Fox chairman central committee, W. J. Herman secretary. 

September 39, 1877. Central committee decided not to hold conven- 
tion. G. W. Fox chairman, W. J. Herman secretary. 

September 21, 1878, Oswego; G. W. Fox chairman, J. B. Lamb secre- 
tary. Probate judge, P. Y. Thomas; representatives. Forty-fourth dis- 
trict J. H. Martin, Forty-fifth H. C. Blanchard; clerk district court, J. K 
Russell; county attorney, I. S. Jones; superintendent public instruction 
J. Covalt; commissioner first district, D. J. Doolen. 

G. W. Fox chairman central committee, D. H. Mays secretary. 

August 25, 1879, Oswego; G. W. Gabriel chairman, H. C. Hall secre- 
tary. Treasurer, T. P. Waskey; sheriff, J. H. Macon; register, W. T. 
Berry; county clerk, L. C. Howard; surveyor, S. R. Southwick (W. H. 
Godwin substituted); coroner, J. B. Lamb; commissioner second district, 
I. D. Johnson. 

G. W. Fox chairman central committee, J. M. Hall secretary. 

October 9, 1880, Oswego; G. W. Fox chairman, F. C. Helsell secretary. 
Committee having consulted with committee from Greenback party, re- 
ported in favor of union on following basis: Greenback nominees for 
senator, district clerk and superintendent to be indorsed, and the Green- 
backers to withdraw their candidates for and indorse Democratic nomi- 
nees for county attorney, probate judge, and representatives in Forty- 
fourth, Forty-fifth and Fortj'-sixth districts. Adopted. — County attorney, 
George F. King on first ballot over W. P. Talbot; probate judge, W. P. 
Talbot on first ballot over James Barton; senator Fifteenth district, Geo. 
Campbell; clerk district court, J. K. Russell; superintendent public in- 
struction, M. T. McCarty indorsed; commissioner third district, A. H. 
McCormock indorsed. 

— 16 



242 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

G. W. Fox chairman central committee, F. C. Helsell secretary. 

October 11, 1881. Central committee decided not to hold convention. 
Mr. Fox resigned as chairman central committee, and J. M. Mahr was 
elected chairman, F. C. Helsell secretary. 

August 13, 1882, court-house, Oswego; George S. King chairman, C. F. 
Wiuton secretary. Probate judge, A. G. Drake, by acclamation; county 
attorney, R. T. Holloway, by acclamation; clerk district court, R. C. 
Taylor. Authorized committee to fill vacancies. 

October 7, 1882. Central committee accepted A. G. Drake's with- 
drawal as probate judge, and agreed to leave that place, and also super- 
intendent, vacant, and to support Greenback nominees. Nominated C. 
M. Monroe commissioner second district. 

J. M. Mahr chairman central committee, G. S. King secretary. 

September 32, 1883, Oswego; J. M. Mahr chairman, George S. King 
secretary. Sheriff, J. P. DeJarbett on first ballot over J. J. Freeman 
and A. J. Mapes; treasurer, E. C. Dent on first ballot over J. F. Waskey; 
register, J. M. Cunningham over C. M. Monroe on first ballot; county 
clerk, F. W. Fry on first ballot over J. M. Bannon; surveyor, A. B. Bush- 
uell, by acclamation; commissioner third district, M. E. Carson. 

W. H. Morris chairman central committee, George S. King secretary. 

October 14, 1884, court-house, Oswego; J. R. Brown chairman, W. H. 
Cook secretary. Senator Ninth district, J. J. Kackley; probate judge, 
F. M. Smith; clerk district court, J. M. Cunningham; no nominee for 
superintendent; W. H, Cook, commissioner first district, indorsed. 

J. R. Brown chairman central committee, J. M. Landis secretary. 

October 28, 1884. Central committee accepted the withdrawal of J. J. 
Kackley, and placed W. J. Conner's name in his place; also nominated 
George S. King county attorney, and J. Covalt superintendent. After- 
ward chairman Brown and others published a card denouncing action of 
committee in placing Conner's name on ticket, etc. 

October 6, 1885, Oswego; J. P. DeJarnett chairman, W. W. Fry sec- 
retary. Treasurer, E. W. Ross; register, George Miller; sheriff, H. R. 
Lewis; county clerk, J. S. Odell; surveyor, A. B. Bushnell, coroner, T. 
A. H. Lowe; commissioner second district, Lewis Goodwin. 

George W. Gabriel chairman central committee, J. M. Landis secretary. 

October 13, 1886, opera house, Oswego; A. H. Garnett, chairman, I. H. 
Fry and A. W. Mackie secretaries. Probate judge, G. W. Gabriel, by 
acclamation; county superintendent, G. Guy Morris on first ballot over 
Fanny Cooper; representative Twenty-ninth district, Gilbert A. Cooper. 
Motion carried to make no farther nominations, in interest of State and 
Congressional tickets. 

G. W. Gabriel chairman central committee, A. H. Garnett secretary. 

During this canvass Dr. Gabriel withdrew as candidate for probate 
judge, and the central committee placed J. J. McFeely on the ticket in 
his place. 

September 13, 1887, Oswego; A. H. Garnett chairman, J. S. Odell sec- 
retary. Treasurer, James L. Wilson; sheriff, Samuel Ledgewood; reg- 



POLITICAL. 243 



ister of deeds, I. H. Fiy; county clerk, D. H. Martiu; surveyor, A. B. 
Bushnell; coroner, Ca3sar Wilson. 

G. W. Gabriel chairman central committee, A. H. Garnett secretary. 

September 11, 1888, Mound Valley; G. W. Gabriel chairman, J. F. 
Waskey secretary. Senator Tenth district, R. L. Sharp, by acclamation; 
probate judge, J. AV. Deatherage. by acclamation; county attorney, F. 
M. Smith, by acclamation; clerk district court, E. W. Ross, by acclama- 
tion; superintendent, Fannie Cooper, by acclamation; representatives, 
Twentj'-eighth district M. V. B. Davis, Twenty-ninth George S. King, 
Thirtieth W. G. Reamer. 

J. F. Waskey chairman central conmiittee, Geo. S. Liggett secretary. 

September 26, 1889, Chetopa: E. C. Dent chairman, F. M. Smith sec- 
retary. Treasurer, J. F. Waskey; sheriff. W. H. Swartzell; register, I. 
D. Highlenian; county clerk, I. M. Hinds; surveyor, J. H. Dersham; 
coroner, A. H. Wells. 

J. M. Kleiser, chairman central committee. 

August 30, 1890, Parsons; J. M. Kleiser chairman, J. J. Rambo secre- 
tary. Clerk district court, Isaac M. Hinds; county attorney, G. S. King. 

August 20, 1891, court-house, Oswego; J. F. Waskey chairman, F. W. 
Frye secretary. Treasurer, J. W. Galyen; sheriff, W. H. Swartzel; reg- 
ister, W. S. Houghton; county clerk, J. J. Freeman; coroner, G. S. Lig- 
gett; surveyor, J. H. Dersham; commissioner third district, W. A. Huff. 

F. W. Frye chairman central committee, George S. Liggett secretary. 

September 29, 1892, Chetopa; George S. Liggett chairman, A. J. Aus- 
tin secretary. The convention indorsed the full ticket theretofore nomi- 
nated by the People's party. 

J. M. Landis chairman central committee, J. F. Waskey secretary. 

DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT CONVENTIONS. 

Usually there was a fusion of the Democrats with some other party on 
candidates for the Legislature; the names here given are those for whom 
the Democrats generally voted. Sometimes they were nominated by a 
convention, sometimes indorsed by the convention, sometimes by central 
committee, and sometimes no definite action at all was taken upon their 
candidacy. 

Forty-fourth District. — October 4, 1876, Parsons. A. Wilson nomi- 
nated on first ballot; vote was reconsidered, and on second ballot G. W. 
Gabriel nominated. — In 1878, J. H. Martin. — September 25, 1880, Par- 
sons; W. H. Morris. 

Forty-fifth District. — October 7, 1876, decided not to make any nomi- 
nations. — October 16, 1880, Oswego. Joint convention of Democrats 
and Greenbackers; Thomas Wilson chairman, George S. King secretary. 
J. C. Murphy on second ballot over D. Doyle. 

Forty-sixth District. — October 7, 1876, Chetopa; A. G. Drake chair- 
man, W. J. Milliken secretary. George E. Stone, by acclamation. — 
October 16, 1880, Chetopa. A. D. Martiu. 

Thirty-third District.— In 1882, G. W. Gabriel; in 1884, W. H. Porter. 



244 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



Thirty-fourth District.— 1\\ 1882, George Campbell; in 1884, J. W. 
Deatherage. 

Thirty-fifth District. — OqXo\)%x \\, 1882, Chetopa, W. P. Wilson; in 
1884, H. H. Lieb. 

Tioenty-eighth District.— 1\\ 1886, W. H. Utley; in 1888, Davis.— 

August 30, 1890, Parsons; S. C. Rickart chairman. Jas. Tanner indorsed. 

Ticenty-ninth District. — October 12, 1886, Oswego; Levi Metier chair- 
man, Walter Phillips secretary. G. A. Cooper on first ballot over E. 
Tanner. — In 1888, G. S. King. In 1890, central committee indorsed P. 
A. Morrison. 

Thirtieth District.— 1\\ 1886, R. S. Lyberger; in 1888, R. S. Lyberger. 
In 1890, central committee indorsed candidacy of Alexander Duncan. 

GREENBACK COUNTY CONVENTIONS. 

October 23, 1877, city hall. Parsons; A. N. Sourbeer chairman. A, H. 
McCleary secretary. Treasurer, A. J. Gary; sheriff, J. H. Macon; county 
clerk, L. C. Howard; register, H. E. Ingraham; surveyor, W. H. Prich- 
ard; coroner, B. D. Ellis; commissioner third district, P. W. Shick. 

F. A. Briggs chairman central committee, A. S. Harper secretary. 

April 6, 1878, delegates from various Greenback clubs met at Parsons 
for permanent organization, and elected an executive committee, of 
which J. W. Briggs was made chairman and S. M. Bailey secretary. 

August 20, 1878, grove near Labette City; R. M. Donelly chairman, 
S. M. Bailey secretary. Probate judge, W. A. Starr on first ballot over 
Noah Guymon; county attorney, J. A. Ball on first ballot over A. B. 
Hacker; superintendent, J. Covalt, by acclamation; district clerk, J. K. 
Russell, by acclamation; representative Forty-sixth district, J. M. Bannan. 

August 21, 1879, Labette City; J. O. McKee chairman, J. W. Breiden- 
thal secretary. Sheriff, J. O. McKee, by acclamation; treasurer, W. H. 
Porter on second ballot over John Hoffman, W. P. Wilson, and Noah 
Guymon; county clerk, S. M. Bailey on first ballot over W. P. Wilson; 
register, Lewis Goodwin on first ballot over Nelson Curl and J. J. Mc- 
Feely; coroner, Moses Steel, by acclamation; surveyor, W. H. Godwin; 
commissioner second district, J. C. Murphy, 

M. Snook, chairman central committee. 

August 14, 1880, Parsons; D. Doyle chairman, W. H. Potter secretary. 
Senator, George Campbell; clerk district court, J. K. Russell; probate 
judge, J. M. C. Reed; superintendent public instruction, M. T. McCarthy. 

J. J. McFeely chairman central committee, L. Garneau secretary. 

October 16, 1881, Mound Valley; J. J. McFeely chairman, George 
Campbell secretary. Register, John W. Breidenthal on first ballot over 
W, P. Wilson, T. J. Finely, and W. J. Millikin; treasurer, A. H. Mc- 
Cormick on first ballot over W. J. Millikin; county clerk, T. J. Finley on 
first ballot over J. Reasor and T. L. Cotton; sheriff, W. P. Wilson on 
first ballot over John Hoffman; coroner, William Rowe; commissioner 
first district, D. Doyle. 

J. M. Bannan chairman central committee, John W. Breidenthal sec- 
retary. 



POLITICAL. ' 245 



October 7, 1882, Oswego; J. J. McFeely chairman, C. L. Albin secre- 
tary. District clerk, J. K. Kiissell, by acclamation; probate judge, J. J. 
McFeely, by acclamation; county attorney, no nomination: superintend- 
ent public instruction, J. Covalt on first ballot over Angelia Bishop and 
Mary Bradbury; coroner, W. J. Millikin, by acclamation; representatives, 
Thirty-fourth district George Campbell, Thirty-fifth W. P. Wilson; com- 
missioner second district, M. Breidenthal. 

J. M. Bannan chairman central committee, J. W. Breidenthal secretary. 

October 33, 1883, Mound Valley; J. W. Breidenthal chairman. Treas- 
urer, L. Garneau; sheriff, J. C. Murphy; register, W. Miller: county 
clerk, J. W. Fleming; coroner, U. Osborne. 

J. W. Breidenthal chairman central committee, L. N. Thompson sec- 
retary. 

October 27, 1884, Parsons; representative Thirty-third district, W. H. 
Porter. 

GREENBACK DISTRICT CONVENTIONS. 

Forty-fourth Distriet. — August 17, 1878, Parsons. James H. Martin 
nominated. — September 25, 1880, Parsons. James H. Martin represent- 
ative, and A. H. McCormick commissioner. 

Forty-fifth District. — Aw^w^t 14, 1878, Altamont. H. C. Blanchard. 
— October 1(3, 1880, Oswego; Thomas Wilson chairman, George S. King 
secretary. Joint convention of Democrats and Greenbackers. J. C. 
Murphy on second ballot over D. Doyle. 

Forty-sixth District. — 1878, Chetopa; John M. Bannan. — October 15, 
1880, Kingston. W. P. Wilson. 

TEMPERANCE CONVENTIONS. 

September 24, Oswego, 1874: adjourned to October 6; C. Humble, 
chairman. Nelson Case secretary. The convention indorsed ihe follow- 
ing nominations that had been made by party conventions: Willard Davis 
and J. G. Parkhurst, county attorney; J. D. McCue, district judge; H. C. 
Blanchard, probate judge; Mary A. Higby, superintendent public instruc- 
tion; J. G. Coleman, coroner; representatives, William Dick district, 

Henry Tibbits Forty-third, J. C. McKnight Forty-fourth: J. J. Woods 
was nominated for senator Fifteenth district. The matter of indorsing 
S. L. Coulter for probate judge and H. C. Cook for clerk district court 
was left to be acted on by a committee after investigation was had as to 
their temperance faith. 

August 15. 1876, Parsons; M. G. Brown chairman, C. T. Smith secre- 
tary. Senator, M. G. Brown: county attorney, Nelson Case; probate 
judge, S. L. Coulter; clerk district court, H. C. Cook; superintendent 
public instruction, Hettie Coleman. 

August 24, 1882, on call of the Oswego Temperance Union, a meeting 
was held in a grove near Labette City; Kev. John Elliott chairman, J. M. 
Bowman secretary. Resolved to form the Labette County Prohibition 
Union. Favored only temperance men for officers, and demanded en- 
forcement of the prohibitory law. 

PROHIBITION CONVENTIONS. 

September 30, 1891, Parsons; W. S. Newlon chairman, G. W. Marley 



246 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



secretary. Treasurer, W. S. Newlon; sheriff, J, B. Jones; register, Mary 
Scott; county clerk, T. O. Emerson; commissioner, C. B. Bennett. 

August 6, 1892, Parsons; W. S. Newlon chairman, G. W. Marley sec- 
retary. Senator, J. M. Magie; representatives, Twenty-sixth district G. 
W. Marley, Twenty-seventh B. F. Lucas; probate judge, O. F. Walker; 
clerk district court, James Beggs; superintendent public instruction, 
Mary Scott; commissioner second district, W. E. Snyder. 

W. S. Newlon chairman central committee, G. W. Marley secretary. 

UXION LABOR COUNTY CONVENTIONS. 

September 15, 1887, Parsons; W. H. Utley chairman, W. J. Bryant, 
F. W. Dauth and A. W. Mackie secretaries. Treasurer, W. H. Porter on 
second ballot over H. Leib, Alexander Duncan. A. H. Mickey, John Rich- 
ardson, Frank Briggs; county clerk, W. J. Millikin on second ballot over 
A. H. Mickey, C. C. Robbins, Milo Hildreth, A. Moore; register, J. K. Rus- 
sell on second ballot over B. F. Rolls, Thomas Lawrence, C. F. Turner, 
W. F. Grierson; sheriff, W. P. Wilson on third ballot over William Cook, 
Ed. Foyle, J. R. Duncan, Frank Briggs, Wm. Orr, D. W. Butler; sur- 
veyor, C. C. Robbins on first ballot over John M. Hart and Levi Fergu- 
son; coroner, A. R. Clarady on first ballot over Peter Hogan; commis- 
sioner first district, S. N. Woodruff. 

W. H. Utley chairman central committee, W. H. Porter secretary. 

August 21, 1888, Chetopa; J. W. Breidenthal chairman, Geo. Campbell 
and A. A. King secretaries. Senator Tenth district, George Campbell on 
second ballot over A. J. Hixon, W. J. Gillette, R. W. Wright; clerk of 
the district court, L. F. Dick on fifth ballot over A. W. Mackie, R. S. 
Lybarger, J. M. Morgan, J. R. Hill; probate judge, Nelson Abbott on 
third ballot over C. T. Bridgman, J. M. C. Reed, J. W. Evans, R. S. 
Lybarger, S. T. Cherry, J. R. Hill, John Richardson; county attorney, 
Jess Brockway on second ballot over J. J. McFeely, M. Byrne, G. W. 
Hendricks, C. C. Robbins, R. S. Lybarger; superintendent public instruc- 
tion, Mrs. Lucy Best, by acclamation. 

Wm. Cook chairman central committee, Nelson Abbott secretary. 

September 7, 1889, Parsons; J. W. Breidenthal chairman, L. F. 
Dick secretary. Treasurer, W. H. Porter, by acclamation; sheriff, Wm. 
Cook on second ballot over E. A. Richcreek, J. R. Duncan and W. P. 
Wilson; county clerk, A. H. Mickey on fourth ballot over J. A. Jones 
and W. J. Millikin; register, J. K. Russell on first ballot over F. C. 
Turner, C. L. Albin and George Campbell; surveyor, A. B. Bushnell, by 
acclamation; coroner, Wm. Rowe, by acclamation. 

Wm. Cook chairman central committee, J. R. Hill secretary. 

UNION LABOR REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT CONVENTIONS. 

Ticenty-eighth District. — September 8, 1888, at Parsons. A. J. Hixon 
nominated by acclamation. — June 11, 1890, at Parsons. James Tanner 
nominated by acclamation. 

Twenty-ninth District. — September 8, 1888, at Oswego; A. W. Mackie 

chairman, A. A. King secretary. George Pfaff on first ballot over 

Harmon and Milo Hildreth. — July 29, 1890, in connection with People's 
county convention at Parsons. P. A. Morrison. 



POLITICAL. 247 



Thirtieth District.— ^e\)iem\)tx 1, 1888, at Edna; J. H. Reasor chair- 
man, E. H. Breidenthal secretary. R. S. Lybarger on first ballot over 
C. W. Holman and Levi Ferguson. — July 29, 1890, in connection with 
People's county convention at Parsons. Alexander Duncan. 

people's party county conventions. 

Parsons, July 29, 1890; E. A. Richcreek chairman, A. H. McCormick 
and Harry Mills secretaries. Clerk of the district court, J. A. Jones on 
second ballot over I. M. Waldrop, R. A. Johnson, L. F. Dick, J. M. Mor- 
gan, W. N. McCoid, W. H. Porter; probate judge, E. A. Richcreek on 
first ballot over J. H. Reasor, A. J. Hixon, J. W. Harrah, John Richard- 
son; superintendent public instruction, Mrs. Lucy Best, by acclamation; 
county attorney, J. R. Hill on third ballot over M. E. Williams, W. J. 
Gillette, G. S. King; commissioner first district, G. A. Cooper; represent- 
atives. Twenty-ninth district P. A. Morrison, Thirtieth Alexander Duncan. 

E. A. Richcreek chairman central committee, Harry Mills secretary. 

September 3, 1891, Parsons; E. A. Richcreek chairman, Harry Mills 
secretary. Treasurer, Martin V. Davis on second ballot over John Rich- 
ardson and Ben Johnson; sheriflf, William Cook on first ballot over A. B. 
Funk, J. R. Duncan, A. Sharp; register, A. W. Mackie on first ballot 
over George Blank, F. T. Deinst, W. N. McCoid; county clerk, D. H. 
Martin on first ballot over W. J. Millikin, I. N. Watson, 1. M. Waldrop; 
surveyor, A. B. Bushnell; coroner, J. Miller. 

Harry Mills chairman central committee, A. W. Mackie secretary. 

August 9, 1892, Parsons; J. F. Hill chairman, L. F. Dick and Harry 
Mills secretaries. Senator, John H. Riley, by acclamation; probate judge, 
George Campbell on third ballot over E. A. Richcreek, A. J, Hixon and 
H. Summers; clerk district court, Jesse M. Morgan on first ballot over 
A. W. Jones and R. A. Johnson; county attorney, M. E. Williams on 
first ballot over H. G. Webb; superintendent public instruction, Lucy 
Best, by acclamation; commissioner second district, J. A. Jarboe. 

William Cook chairman central committee, D. H. Martin secretary. 

people's party district conventions. 

Twenty-sixth District. — June 20, 1892, Parsons; Dr. E. Tanner chair- 
man, H. C. Sourbeer secretary. J. L. Humphrey on first ballot over A. 
F. Neely and Daniel Pfaff^. 

Ticenty- seventh District. — August 13, 1892, Chetopa; G. A. Cooper 
chairman, M. E. Williams secretary. P. A. Morrison on first ballot over 
John Ford. 

senatorial conventions. 

Sixteenth Senatorial District. — October — , 18(5(5, Republican conven- 
tion held at lola. Dr. J. W. Scott was nominated over J. C. Carpenter 
and J. S. Waters. 

Tlie Democratic convention was held at Humboldt, and Col. Wil- 
loughby Doudna was nominated. 

October 1."), 18G8, Republican convention met at Erie; R. W. Wright 
was chairman, and J. C. Redfield secretary. J. C. Carpenter was nomi- 
nated on eleventh ballot over E. R. Trask and A. A. Aiken. 



2tl:8 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



October 24, 1868, Democratic convention convened at Osage Mission, 
and F. M. Frost was nominated. 

September 39, 1870, Republican convention was held at Humboldt; J. 
M. Beardsley was chairman, and P. I. B. Ping secretarj'. J. H. Crich- 
ton was nominated on tenth ballot over J. W. Dowe and G. P. Smith of 
Allen county, A. Miller of Wilson county, J. C. Carpenter of Neosho 
county, and H. AV. Martin of Labette county. 

October 6, 1870, Democratic convention met at Humboldt. J. M. Rich- 
ardson, of Labette county, was nominated over Moses Neal and others. 

September 21, 1870, Settlers' Protective Association held a convention 
at Prairie dn Chien, in Neosho county; G. W. McMillen was chairman, 
and George T. Walton secretary. Major H. C. Whitney was unanimously 
nominated. 

.JUDICIAL CONVENTIONS. 

In 18(37 N. F. Acres and John R. Goodin were opposing candidates for 
judge of the Seventh judicial district. 

October 10, 1870, Republican convention met in Oswego, with four del- 
egates each from Montgomery, Labette and Crawford counties, and five 
from Cherokee; T. E. Clark chairman, W. W. Jones secretary. On the 
64th ballot the delegates from Labette county changed their vote from 
W. P. Bishop to W. M. Matheny, and nominated him over W. P. Bishop, 
John T. Voss, and Thomas Harrison, as a candidate for judge of the 
Eleventh judicial district. H. G. Webb ran as an independent candidate. 

In 1873 B. W. Perkins, H. W. Barnes, J. M. Scudder and J. G. Park- 
hurst were opposing candidates, each running independent. 

In 1874 a "Reform Convention" convened at Parsons, September 23d, 
with J. H. Waterman chairman, and C. O, Stockslager secretary. J. D. 
McCue was nominated on second ballot over J. N. Ritter, A. A. Fletcher, 
and B. F. Purcell. B. W. Perkins again ran independent. 

September 12, 1878, a Greenback convention assembled at Parsons, 
and nominated J. F. Broadhead. Opposed to him at the polls were B. W. 
Perkins and W^. B. Glasse, each running independent. 

On October 3, 1882, a Republican convention met at Cherokee; J. R. 
Hallowell chairman. On the 264th ballot George Chandler was nomi- 
nated over W. B. Glasse, John N. Ritter, and John T. Yoss. Opposed to 
him W. M. Matheny ran as an independent candidate. 

In 1886 George Chandler was an independent, with no opponent. 

A Republican convention assembled in Independence October 1, 1889, 
with S. L. Coulter chairman, and W. T. Yoe secretary. John N. Ritter 
was nominated by acclamation. J. D. McCue ran independent. 

A Republican convention was held at Parsons on September 11, 1890; 
George W. Wheatley chairman, W. H. Coulter secretary. A. B. Clark 
was nominated by acclamation. Opposed to him was J. D. McCue, as an 
independent candidate. 

POLITICAL CONVENTIONS OF A MISCELLANEOUS CHAR- 
ACTER. 

FAEMEES' CONVENTION. 

A Farmers' convention was called for and was held on October 17, 
1873, at Labette City. It was a secret session. The following nomina- 
tions were made: Probate judge, Davis Vulgamore; sheriff, F. G. Bur- 



POLITICAL. 249 



uett; treasurer, C. F. Smith; register, I. W. Patrick; coimty clerk, Sam. 
W. Collins; coroner, A. S. Spaulding; surveyor, S. R. Southwick; repre- 
sentatives, Forty-third district J. L. Williams, Forty-fourth Isaac But- 
terworth; commissioners, first district D. J. Doolen, second H. M. Debolt, 
third William Thornborough. 

GRANGE CONVENTION. 

On October 10, 1874, a Grange convention met at Labette City, which 
soon divided into two sections : one elected N. Cooper chairman and C. 
W. Stephenson secretary, and denounced political action; the other 
elected J. J. Woods chairman and C. Merwin secretary, and nominated 
the following ticket: Senator Fifteenth district, John F. Hill; probate 
judge, S. L. Coulter; clerk district court, H. C. Cook; superintendent, 
Mary A. Higby; representatives, Forty-third district S. M. Canady, 
Forty-fourth Henry Tibbetts. 

"LABORING men's CONVENTIONS." 

One was held at Parsons, on September 20, 1875; B. D. Roberts was 
chairman part of the time, and Isaac Butterworth a part; J. L. William- 
son secretary. The followiug ticket was nominated: Representatives, 
Forty-third district M. W. Reynolds, Forty-fourth F. B. McGill; treas- 
urer, William Dick on third ballot over A. J. Cary, George Caldwell, and 
Fred Perkins; sheriff, Nixon Elliott on second ballot over W. C. Church, 
J. J. Freeman, and S. B. Abbott; register, R. C. Taylor; county clerk, 
L. C. Howard, by acclamation; coroner, D. B. Crouse, by acclamation; 
surveyor. Wade Prichard on first ballot over George Thornton; commis- 
sioners, first district J. F. Hill, second C. M. Monroe, third J. H. Martin. 

J. L. AVilliams was chairman of the central committee. 

On October 9, 1877, at Keeler's school-house, a mass convention was 
held, of which Samuel Newell was chairman, and Newton Guymou sec- 
retary. A ticket was nominated as follows: Treasurer, A. J. Cary; reg- 
ister. Wash Knapp ; county clerk, T. A. Fellows ; coroner. Dr. W. S. 
Newlou; surveyor, Wade Prichard; commissioner second district, H. M. 
Debolt. 

"people's mass CONVENTIONS." 

A convention with the above title was held in the Methodist church in 
Mound Valley, on October 20, 1881: J. M. Cavaness was chairman, and 
T. C. Cory secretary. The following ticket was nominated: Treasurer, 
Andy Cary on first ballot over G. S. McDole: register, J. M. Cunningham 
on first ballot over J. W. Breidenthal and Thomas OTIare. The Republi- 
can nominees for sheriff, county clerk, surveyor and coroner were indorsed. 

Another "People's Mass Convention" was held on October 10, 1884, 
at Altamont; B. R. Van Meter was elected chairman and S. M. Bailey 
secretary, and the following nominations were made: Senator Ninth dis- 
trict, W. J. Conner, by acclamation; coumy attorney, H. G. Webb, by 
acclamation; clerk district court, C. L. Albiu on first ballot over J. M. 
Cunningham; probate judge, J. M. Cunningham, by acclamation; super- 
intendent public instruction, J. Covalt. 

A " FARMERS' AND LABORERS' CONA'ENTION " 

Was held at Altamont on August 20, 188(3; A. M. Fellows was chairman, 
and J. W. Breidenthal secretary. After electing delegates to the State 
convention and calling a county convention for Altamont on September 



250 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

8th, it adjourned. On September 8th the convention met as per adjourn- 
ment; J. J. McFeely was chairman, and J. W. Breidenthal secretary. 
A ticket composed of the following was nominated: Superintendent, 
Alice Metier; probate judge, A. T. Shrout; county attorney, H. G. Webb; 
clerk district court, W. J. Millikin. A. M. Fellows was made chairman 
of the central committee, and R. S. Lybarger secretary. 

October 9, 1886, another "Farmers' and Laborers' Convention" met at 
Parsons, and nominated W. H. Utley as representative for the Twenty- 
eighth district. 

ELECTIONS. 
The rapid growth of the county is in a measure indicated by the in- 
creased vote cast from year to year. The first election held in Neosho 
county was in 1864, at which there were but 35 votes cast in the whole 
county. At this time there was probably no one in what is now Labette 
county who had the legal qualifications of an elector, but had there been 
there was no provision made for the casting of votes. It was not until 
July, 1866, that the Commissioners of Neosho county established voting 
precincts in what is now Labette county. Our citizens might have par- 
ticipated in the election in November, 1866, had they been disposed to 
do so, but, as I have elsewhere stated, there was a mutual understanding 
between those residing in what is now Neosho county and those residing 
in what is now Labette county, that the latter would refrain from voting 
for the officers of Neosho county, and that at the ensuing session of the 
Legislature the county should be divided. However, at that election the 
people in the south half of the county voted for a full set of county offi- 
cers for themselves. Of course this vote was without any legal signifi- 
cance. No record of the result was kept, and I have been unable to 
ascertain anything in reference to the number of votes cast. C. H. Bent, 
who was elected to the Legislature at this time, was the only officer 
elected who was permitted to perform official duties by virtue thereof. 
I might here state that at this election there were something over 300 
votes cast in Neosho county. For State Senator, J. W. Scott received 
325 votes, and Willoughby Doudna received 82 votes. This is probably 
the average vote between the two parties in the county. The first legal 
election held in Labette county was on April 22, 1867. At this election 
a full set of county officers were elected, to serve until the ensuing regu- 
lar election in the fall ; and the question of locating the county seat was 
also voted on. The record of the canvass of this vote has been lost, and 
I have now no means of ascertaining the number of votes cast ; but some 
time thereafter there was published what was said to be the correct vote 
on the question of locating the county seat, from which statement it ap- 
pears that the entire vote cast on that subject was 380. This may fairly 
be presumed to be the total vote of the county at that time. 



POLITICAL. 251 



At the November election in 1867 the canvass does not show the total 
number of votes cast, nor the votes cast for each candidate, except for 
the office of Judge of the District Court. For this position N. F. Acres 
received 303 votes, and J. R. Goodiu 193 votes. On the question of 
locating the county seat there were cast 397 votes. This was probably 
the highest number of votes cast at that election. At the election held 
November 3, 1868, each precinct in the county returned its vote. The 
Presidential Electors received 783 votes; 617 of which were cast for the 
Grant Electors, and 166 for the Seymour Electors. The candidates for 
the several State offices on the two tickets received substantially the 
same proportion of the votes. The political lines were not as strictly 
drawn on the county offices. 

On November 5, 1869, the board met to canvass the vote cast on the 
3d of that mouth. For some informalities, which presented an excuse 
but did not amount to a reason for their action, the Commissioners re- 
jected the vote of every precinct in the county except those of Oswego and 
Hackberry. If it had required the rejection of either of these to enable 
them to count in the parties whom they desired to have elected, it may 
be presumed that on some pretense it would have been done. By the 
course pursued a set of officers were declared elected who had been over- 
whelmingly defeated at the polls, and those who had been elected by a 
large majority of the votes actually cast were deprived of their positions, 
some of them for a year and some of them during their whole term. I 
do not mean to say that every officer declared elected had been defeated ; 
no record has been preserved of the complete vote, and I have no means 
at hand of ascertaining what the vote of the entire county was ; but cer- 
tain it is that the Sheriff, Treasurer, Register of Deeds, and a part of the 
Commissioners who were elected were compelled to contest for their 
offices or to be deprived of them entirely. Mr. McCue, who had been 
beaten for County Attorney by a large majority, but who was declared 
elected, refused to qualify, and Mr. Waters, who had been elected but 
counted out, took the office without opposition. Some of those who had 
been counted out contested for the office, while others declined to go 
through the trouble and expense of a litigation. After a protracted con- 
test through all the courts, the true result was finally ascertained, and 
those who were determined to secure their rights even at a sacrifice were 
finally awarded their offices. 

At the November election in 1870 as many as 1,706 votes were cast for 
some of the positions, but generally the aggregate vote on any one office 
was a few short of 1,700. The Republican State ticket generally re- 
ceived about 1,025 to 1,050 votes, and the Democratic candidates about 



252 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

640 to 660 votes ; while ou the county ticket the vote for the respective 
candidates of the two parties was more nearly equal. 

In 1871 there were 1,794 votes cast for Sheriff; of these G. W. Frank- 
lin, the Democratic candidate, received 959, and L. S. Crum, the Re- 
puhlican candidate, 835. I. W. Patrick, the Republican candidate for 
Register of Deeds, was elected by a majority of 150. In 1872 the Grant 
Electors received 1,779 votes, and the Greeley Electors 1,014, making a 
total vote on the National ticket of 2,793. The candidates on the two tickets 
for State offices received substantially the same proportion of votes. 
In 1873 S. L. Coulter, the Republican candidate for Probate Judge, re- 
ceived 1,765 votes, while Davis Yulgamore, the Democratic candidate, 
received but 487. C. F. Smith, the Republican candidate for Treasurer, 
had no opposition, and received 2,346. In 1874 the total vote was 2,076. 
For the office of Governor, Thomas A. Osborn received 1,108 votes, 
James C. Cusey 730, and W. K. Marshall 77. In 1875 the total vote 
was 2,450. S. B. Abbott, Republican candidate for Sheriff, received 
1,252 votes, and Nixon Elliott, the Democratic candidate, 1,112. In 1876 
the total vote was 3,529. The Hayes Electors received 2,092, the Tilden 
Electors 1,372, the Cooper Electors 8, and the Smith Electors 17. In 
1877 but 2,683 votes were cast. For Chief Justice, A. H. Horton, the 
Republican candidate, received 1,562; Samuel A. Riggs, the Greenback 
candidate, 824; and W. R. Wagstaft", the Democratic candidate, 253 
votes. In 1878 the vote was 3,385. J. P. St. John, the Republican can- 
didate for Governor, received 1,594; J. R. Goodin, the Democratic can- 
didate, 968 ; D. P. Mitchell, the Greenback candidate, 804. There were 
3,102 votes cast in 1879. The Republican candidate for Treasurer re- 
ceived 1,591; the Democratic candidate, 886; the Greenback candidate, 
574. In 1880 the total vote was 4,672. The Garfield Electors received 
2,721; the Hancock Electors, 1,462; and the Weaver Electors, 420. In 
1881 the vote was 3,163. The Republican candidate for Treasurer re- 
ceived 1,340; the Democratic candidate, 1,311; the Greenback candi- 
date, 474. In 1882 the vote was 4,020. For Governor, St. John received 
1,941 votes, Glick 1,669, and Robinson 329. In 1883 there were 4,015 
votes. The Republican candidate for Treasurer received 2,057, the 
Democratic candidate 1,571, the Greenback candidate 242. In 1884 the 
Blaine Electors received 3,475, the Cleveland Electors 2,094, the Butler 
Electors 316, and the St. John Electors 149. In 1885 the vote was 3,763. 
The Republican candidate for Treasurer received 2,378 votes, and the 
Democratic candidate 1,347. In 1886 the vote was 4,802. For Governor 
John A. Martin received 2,427 votes, Thomas Moonlight 2,195, and C. 
H. Branscomb 125. In 1887 there were 4,799 votes cast. For Treasurer 



POLITICAL. 253 



the Republican candidate received 1,903, the Union Labor candidate 
2,448, and the Democratic candidate 417. This was the first election in 
the county In which the Republican party received a general defeat. 
Not infrequently one or more of the opposition ticket had been elected, 
but at this election, with one exception, the entire Union Labor ticket 
was elected. In 1888 the vote was 0,072. The Harrison Electors re- 
ceived 2,870 votes, the Cleveland Electors 976, the Streeter Electors 
2,125, and the Fisk Electors 85. In 1889 the vote was 4,733. The Re- 
publican candidate for Treasurer received 2,120 votes, the Union Labor 
candidate 2,086, the Democratic candidate 507. In 1890 the vote was 
5,555. For Governor, Humphrey received 2,165 votes, Willits 2,434, 
Robinson 914, Richardson 21. In 1891 the vote was 5,125. For Treas- 
urer the Republican candidate received 2,333 votes, the People's party 
candidate 2,449, the Democratic candidate 275, the Prohibition candidate 
40. In 1892 the total vote was 6,174. The Weaver Electors received 
3,116 votes, the Harrison Electors 2,950, and the Bidwell Electors 93. 

The result of the votes which I have given above in the several years 
fairly represents the average strength of each of the parties. Especially 
in county matters the votes on different offices have varied quite largely, 
local and personal considerations entering into the result very much more 
than in State and National matters. 

COMMISSIONER DISTRICTS. 

On June 5, 1867, an order was made dividing the county into three dis- 
tricts as follows: District No. 1, townships 31 and 32, in range 21; Dis- 
trict No. 2, townships 33 and 34, in range 21; District No. 3, the 
remainder of the county. 

On July 7, 1870, a new division was made, and the several districts 
were constituted as follows : District No. 1, all of range 21 ; District 
No. 2, townships 33, 34, and 35, in all of the ranges west of range 21 ; 
District No. 3, townships 31 and 32, in all the ranges west of range 21. 
This division has remained ever since it was thus made. 

It is evident that between these two divisions another one was made 
which does not appear of record; for at the November (1869) election 
the person elected from the first district resided in the second, and the 
person elected from the second district resided in the first, as the districts 
were constituted in 1807. 

LEGISLATIVE APPORTIONMENT. 

Labette county, without any bill making it such, was recognized as the 
Eighty-fifth Representative district from 1867, when our first member 
was admitted, to 1871, when the next apportionment was made, at which 



254 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

time it was divided into two districts, the northern half constituting the 
Forty-third and the southern part the Forty-fourth. In this apportion- 
ment Elm Grove township was entirely left out of any district, and it 
was not until 1873 that it was made a part of the Forty-fourth district. 
We were a part of the Sixteenth Senatorial district up to 1871, when we 
were made the Fifteenth district. 

In the apportionment of 1876 we were continued as the Fifteenth 
Senatorial district, and divided into three Representative districts, the 
northern portion being the Forty-fourth, the central portion the Forty- 
fifth, and the southern portion the Forty-sixth district. 

In 1881 we were made to constitute the Ninth Senatorial district, and, 
commencing as before, on the north, the Thirty-third, Thirty-fourth and 
Thirty-fifth Representative districts. 

In the 1886 apportionment we were constituted the Tenth Senatorial 
district, and the Twenty-eighth, Twenty-ninth and Thirtieth Representa- 
tive districts, numbering from the north. 

In 1891 the act of apportionment made us the Eleventh Senatorial dis- 
trict, and gave us but two instead of three Representatives, as we had 
theretofore had. The townships of Mound Valley, Osage, Walton, La- 
bette, Liberty, North, Neosho, and the city of Parsons, were made to 
constitute the Twenty-sixth Representative district, and the remainder of 
the county the Twenty-seventh district. 

LIST OF OFFICERS. 

Judge of District Court. — 1867, William Spriggs; 1868-69, John 
R. Goodin; 1870, William C. Webb; 1870-73, Henry G. Webb; 1873-83, 
Bishop W. Perkins; 1883-89, George Chandler; 1889, John N. Ritter; 
1890-, Jerry D. McCue. 

State Senator.— 1867-68, J. W. Scott; 1869-70, John C. Carpenter; 
1871-73, Henry C. Whitney; 1873-76, J. H. Crichton; 1877-80, Angell 
Matthewson; 1881-84, W. B. Glasse; 1885-93, Charles H. Kimball. 

Representatives. — Eighty-fifth District: 1867, Charles H. Bent; 
1868, W. C. Watkius; 1869, Dr. D. D. McGrath; (on account of sickness. 
Dr. McGrath did not take his seat in the Legislature;) 1870, Walter P. 
Bishop; 1871, Dr. J. M. U^hr.— Forty-third District : 1873, J. J. Woods; 
1873, W. W. Harper; 1874, J. L. Williams; 1875, J. J. Woods; 1876, 
M. W. ^Qyno\(\s.— Forty-fourth District: 1873, D. C. Constant; 1873, 
W. H. Mapes; 1874, W. H. Mapes; 1875, R. W. Wright; 1876, H. G. 
Wehh.— Forty-fourth District : * 1877-78, G. W. Gabriel; 1879-80, J. H. 
Martin; 1881-83, J. B.SwM-t.— Forty-fifth District : 1877-78, F. A. Bet- 
tis; 1879-80, H. C. Blanchard; 1881-83, J. S. Waters.— Forty-sixth Dis- 
trict: 1877-78, J. H. Hibbets; 1879-80, T. J. Calvin; 1881-83, T. J. Cal- 
vin.— Thirty-third District: 1883-84, G. W. Gabriel; 1885-86, David 

* T bis was the new Forty-fourth district, established by the apportionment of 1876. 



POLITICAL. 255 

KQ\&o,— Thirty-fourt7i District : 1883-84, J. S. Waters; 1885-86, H. C. 
Goo^. — Thirty-fifth District : 1883-84, J. H. Crichtou; 1885-86, J. B. 
Coo^.— Twenty-eighth District: 1887-88, F. R. Morton; 1889-90, W. W. 
Cranston; 1891-92, J. I. T^nwew— Twenty-ninth District: 1887-88, J. H. 
Morrison; 1889-90, H. S. Coley; 1891-93, P. A. Uovv\soti.— Thirtieth 
District: 1887-88, R. S. Lybarger; 1889-90, J. S. Hileman; 1891-92, 
Alex. Duncan. 

Peobatp: Judge.— The party who was elected April 22, 1867, failed 
to quality in time. June 5, 18G7, Bergen Van Ness was appointed, and 
reappointed July 3d; 1868, D. C. Lowe; Jan. to Sept. 1869, Henry M. 
Minor; Sept. to Nov. 1869, Merrit Read; Nov. 1869 to July 1870, W. H. 
Whitlock: July to Dec. 1870, Walter P. Bishop; Dec. 1870 to March 1873, 

B. W. Perkins; March 1873 to July 1880, S. L. Coulter; July 1880 to Jan. 
1885, Nelson Case; 1885-86, S. L. Coulter; 1887-90, T. J. Calvin; 1891 
-92, E. A. Richcreek. 

CouxTY Attoknp:y.— 1867, W. J. Parkinson; 1868, C. H. Bent W 
P. Bishop; 1869, W. P. Bishop, B. W. Perkins; (J. D. McCue and J. H. 
Gunn special County Attorneys;) 1870-72, J. S. Waters; 1873-74, E. C. 
Ward; 1875-76, Willard Davis; 1877-80, J. S. Waters; 1881-82, Lewis 

C. True; 1883-84, George S. King; 1885-86, J. D. Condermau; 1887-88, 
T. C. Cory; 1888, A. A. Osgood; 1889-90, John H. Morrison; 1891-92, 
Joseph R. Hill; May 20 to Nov. 12, 1892, Frank H. Atchinson; Nov. l'> 
1892-, M. E. Williams. 

SuPEEixTEXDEXT OF PuBLic Instructiox.— 1867, Johu F. Newlon; 
1868, Euos Reed; 1869-70, R. J. Elliott; 1871-72, J. W. Horner; 1873-78, 
Mary A. Higby; 1879-80, J. Covalt; 1881-82, M. Chidester; 1883-86, 
Mrs. Anna C. Baker; 1887-S8, Mrs. Anna Hickenbottom; 1889-90, Miss 
Agnes Beaty; 1891-, Mrs. Lucy Best. 

Register of Deeds.— 1867, Elza Craft; 1868-69, Charles Beggs; 
1870-71, James W. Peace; 1872-81, I. W. Patrick; 1882-83, J. M. Cun- 
ningham; 1884-87, Asa Smith; 1888-89, J. K. Russell; 1890-91, J. A 
Flora; 1892- Andrew W. Mackie. 

Sheriff.— 1867, Benjamin A. Rice; 1868 to April 5, 1869, John N. 
Watson; 1869, Frank D. Howe; 1870, John T. Weaver; Oct. 1870-71, 
Joseph C. Wilson; 1872-75, G. W. Franklin; 1876-77, S. B. Abbott; 
1878-79, J. H. Macon; 1880-83, D. M. Bender; 1884-85, Jonas T. Lamp- 
son; 1886-87, C. B. Woodford; 1888-89, Jonas T. Lampson; 1890-93, 
Wm. Cook. 

County Surveyor.— 1867, Z. Harris; 1868 to April 5, 1869, S. R. 
Southwick; April 5, 1869, to 1871, E. G. Davidson; 1872-73, Wade H 
Prichard; 1874-75, Samuel Terrill; 1876-77, Wade H. Prichard; 1878-79, 
George Thornton; 1880-81, J. M. Wells; resigned in Sept. 1881, and B. 
R. Cunningham was appointed; 1881-85, B. R. Cunningham; 1886-87, 
W. W. Dentler; 1888-89, C. C. Robbins; 1890-91, J. W. Bogffess' 
1892-93, A. B. Bushuell. 

CouxTY Assessor.— April 22, 1867, Francis Wall elected, but failed 
to qualify; A. W. Jones appointed; 1868, J. R. Morrison. 

Clerk District Court.— 1867-68, R. S. Cornish; 1869-70, Robert 
Steel; 1871-72, D. S. Morrison; 1873-74, R. J. Elliott; 1875-84, H. C. 



256 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



Cook; 1885-88, E. B. Baldwin; 1889-90, Colin Hodge; 1891-92, J. A. 
Jones. 

County Treasuker. — April to Sept. 18G7, C. C. Clover; Sept. 3, 

1867, James C. Watson appointed but failed to qualify; Oct. 1867 to July 

1868, R. M. Bennett; 18(>8-69, Henry C. Bridgmau; Jan. to Oct. 1870, 
Wm. Logan; 1870-72, Henry C. Bridgman; 1872-76, Charles F. Smith; 
1876-80, George M. Caldwell; 1880-82, George Thornton; 1882-84, Geo. 
M. Caldwell; 1884-88, C. W. Littleton; 1888-90, W. H. Porter; 1890-92, 
William Slaughter; 1892-, M. V. Davis. 

County Clerk. — March to July 1867, Austin T. Dickerman; July to 
Dec. 1867, D. W. Clover; Jan. to Nov. 1868, Charles E. Simons; Nov. 
20th 1868 to Jan. 6th 1869, Charles C. Beggs; Jan. 6th to Nov. 1869, 
John D. Coulter: Nov. 1869-79, L. C. Howard; 1880-81, W. H. Keirsey; 
1882-85, Frank W. Felt; 1886-87, W. W. Cook; 1888-89, W. J. Millikin; 
1890-91, Geo. W. Tilton; 1892-, D. H. Martin. 

Auditor.— W. A. Starr, July 14, 1882, to his death, Dec. 14, 1883; 
W. B. Glasse, March 4th 1884-88; George S. King, Jan. 3 to Nov. 27, 1891. 

Health Officer.— June 1st 1885 to April 13th 1891, Elmer E. Lig- 
gett; April 13th 1891-, L. T. Strother. 

Coroner.— 1867-69, George W. Kingsbury; 1870-71, J. H. Logan; 
1872, J. F. Newlon; 1873, William Pinkertou; 1874-77, D. B. Crouse; 
1878-79, W. R. Moore; 1880-81, W. W. Inglish; 1881-82, Lewis Peter- 
son, who resigned in 1882, and P. Davis was appointed; 1883-87, E. W. 
Dorsey; 1888-89, A. A. Clarady; 1890-91, T. J. Finley; 1892-, J. H. Miller. 

County Commissioners. — March 10, 1867, Governor Crawford ap- 
pointed Samuel W. Collins, Charles H. Talbott and Bergen Van Ness 
commissioners to organize the county. April 22, 1867, William Shay, 
David C. Lowe and Nathan Ames were elected; Mr. Shay failing to 
qualify, John G. Rice was appointed in his place. 1868, 1st, William 
Logan; 2d, Isaac Butterworth; 3d, James F. Molesworth. 1869, 1st, 
William Logan; 2d, Elisha Hammer; 3d, James F. Molesworth. 

Subsequent to 1869 the commissioners were as follows: First District: 
1870, William Steel; 1871, Gilbert Martin; 1872-77, D. J. Doolen; 1878, 
H. S. Coley; 1879-81, D. J. Doolen; 1882-84, W. G. Hoover; 1885-90, 
D. A.Jones; 1891-, GWhQYt A.. Qoo^^v.— Second District : 1870-71, J. W. 
Morey; Nov. 1871, Abner De Con was elected, but died before taking his 
seat; Feb. 10th 1872-73, George Poland; 1874-75, H. M. Debolt; 1876-77, 
C. Leib; 1878-79, H. M. Debolt; 1880-82, A. N. Russell; 1883-84, M. 
Breidenthal; April 5th 1884, Mr. Breideuthal died, and E. B. Baldwin 
was appointed in his place, and served from April 18th to Dec. 3d, 1884; 
Dec. 3d 1884-88, Lewis Goodwin; lS'i9-,U\\om\d\:Qt\\.— Third District : 
November 3, 1869, J. P. Hutton declared elected, but died before quali- 
fying; July 7, 1870, W. H. Carpenter was appointed; November, 1870, 
J. M. Richland w\as elected, but Carpenter claimed there was no vacancy, 
and Richland never took his seat; W. H. Carpenter continued to serve 
until the following November election; Nov. 1871-73, William Dick; 
1874-77, W. A. Starr; 1878-80, P. W. Shick; 1881-83, J. J. Henderson: 
1884-89, J. E. Brooks; 1890-92, J. W. Scott. 

List and Terms of Chairmen of Board of County Commissioners. — 
1867, David C. Lowe; 1868, AVilliam Logan; 1869, James F. Molesworth; 



POLITICAL. 257 



1870, William Steel; Nov. 14, 1870, to Jan. 12, 1S71, J. W. Morey; 1871, 
W. H. Carpenter; Nov. 1871 to Jan. 1872, J. W. Morey; 1872-73, William 
Dick; 1874-77, D. J. Doolen; 1878. H. S. Coley; 1879-81, D. J. Doolen; 
1882-83, J. J. Henderson; 1884, W. G. Hoover; 1885-86, J. E. Brooks; 
1887, D. A. Jones; 1888-89, J. E. Brooks; 1890, D. A. Jones; 1891-92, 
Milo Hildreth. 

COUNTY DEPOSITORY. 

October 10, 1882, to July 11, 1891, bank of C. M. Condon: July 11, 

1891, First National Bank of Oswego up to fifty thousand dollars, and 
Oswego State Bank for amounts beyond what the National Bank is to 
have. 

LIST OF OFFICIAL PAPERS. 

1868, January 14th, proceedings ordered published in Humboldt Union; 
subsequently the Neosho Valley Eagle was established at Jacksonville 
and did a part of the county printing; later the Oswego Register was es- 
tablished and did most of the county printing; 1869, Register; 1870, Reg- 
ister; 1871, Advance and Register; 1872, Advance; 1873, Advance; 1874, 
Independent; 1875, Register, during year transferred to Independent; 
1876, Herald; 1877, Independent; 1878, Independent; 1879, Independ- 
ent; 1880, Democrat; 1881, Independent; 1882, Independent; 1883, In- 
dependent; 1884, Republican; 1885, Independent; 1886, Independent 
and Democrat; 1887, Bee and Sun; 1888, Bee and Sun; 1889, Independ- 
ent and Sun; 1890, Independent and Sun; 1891, on January 9th the In- 
dependent was designated as the official paper; this order was revoked 
on February 9th, and an order made that Mills's Weekly World be the 
official paper, and on February 10th this order was revoked and another 
one made designating the Labette County Statesman as the official paper; 

1892, Mills's Weekly World. 



THE STEUGGLE FOE TEMPEEANOE, 



The license system was uot put in operation in this county without a 
vigorous opposition on the part of the temperance people. So far as I 
can ascertain, the first attempt to obtain license to sell liquor in this 
county was in the summer or fall of 1867, when J. Q. Cowell, who was 
running a small drug store in Oswego, got a sufficiently signed petition 
to authorize the issuance of a license ; but before it was presented to the 
board, H. C. Bridgman, who was conducting a general store next to his, 
in some way got possession of the petition and destroyed it. This seems 
to have been the last attempt made by Cowell to get license, but proba- 
bly not the last attempt to sell liquor. The sales, however, if made, 
were without any authority of law. 

Some time after this transaction John R. Clover got a petition contain- 
ing sufficient signatures to authorize a license to be issued to him, but 
Mrs. Augusta Herbaugh managed to get possession of it, and it suffered 
a fate similar to Mr. Cowell's. 

THE FIRST LICENSED SALOON 
In the county was kept at the northwest corner of block 39, in Oswego, 
by Jones & Stewart, who on January 11, 1868, presented to the Board of 
County Commissioners a petition said to contain the names of a majority 
of the residents of Oswego township, asking that a license to sell liquor 
be granted to them. The board granted this petition, and directed the 
clerk to issue license for one year, upon the payment by said Jones & 
Stewart of the sum of $50. This firm soon sold out to H. E. Porter and 
A. J. DeCou, the latter of whom in a few weeks sold his interest to his 
partner, and thereafter Mr. Porter ran the business alone. This saloon 
had been running less than seven months when, on the night of Au- 
gust 6th, J. C. Wheeler and Charles Van Alstine, with several more 
persons, spent the evening there in drinking and carousing until after 
midnight. Van Alstine and Wheeler got into a dispute over the ques- 
tion of indebtedness of the latter to the former, and after leaving the 
saloon, under the influence of liquor, remained by the side of the build- 
ing disputing for some time, until all the other parties had gone away, 
and H. E. Porter, the bar-keeper, had closed the door. The next morn- 
ing Wheeler was found by the saloon unconscious, his head bruised by 

(258) 



THE STRUGGLE FOR TEMPERANCE. 259 

blows from a club, from which he soon thereafter died. Van Alstine 
was arrested, and at the next term of court convicted of murder in the 
second degree and sentenced to the penitentiary for ten years. I am in- 
formed that his family was left to be provided for by the public, as was 
also the family of Wheeler. Subsequently the Commissioners paid the 
expense of sending Wheelers children back to their friends in Ohio. 
The cost to the county of convicting and sending Van Alstine to the 
penitentiary, and caring for the destitute families of the murderer and 
his victim, is said to have been over $2,000. Comparing this sum paid 
out of the public treasury, for a matter which may fairly be said to be 
traceable directly to the saloon as its cause, with the paltry sum of $50 
paid into the county treasury for the saloon license, the transaction 
would not look like a very profitable one for the public to engage in. 

The next party authorized by the board to make drunkards according 
to law was William B. Gregory, who on May 16, 1868, presented to the 
board a petition signed by 182 citizens of Richland township, asking 
that he be granted a dramshop license for said township. Whereupon 
the board ordered that, upon the payment of $100 into the county treas- 
ury, license be granted him for one year from that date. The last action 
of the board preceding their granting Gregory license to keep a saloon 
was their appointment of him to the office of constable of said township. 

The practical workings of this licensed saloon do not seem to have 
been altogether satisfactory to the people of Chetopa. On February 9, 
1869, a large temperance meeting was held at Spauldlng's Hall, at which 
stirring temperance speeches were made by a number of citizens, and 
also by Rev. C. R. Rice, who had remained over a day or two after his 
quarterly meeting. Strong resolutions were passed denouncing those 
who were disgracing the town with their drunkenness, and calling upon 
the officers to see that the law was enforced. Temperance meetings 
were frequently held subsequently to this, and a temperance organiza- 
tion was effected. About the same time attempts were made by other 
parties to obtain license, but with less success. 

On July 21, 1868, a petition dated July 6, 1868, was presented to the 
board, asking them "to grant Charles Sipes a license to keep a grocery 
and first-class billiard saloon " in Oswego ; whereupon, " the board hav- 
ing considered said petition, and being satisfied that said petition is not 
made by a majority of the residents in said township as the law requires, 
and that the masses of the citizens are opposed to the granting of dram- 
shop license in said township, as evidenced by the remonstrance pre- 
sented to this board, therefore said petition is not granted." On the 
same day the record shows that W. S. Newlon presented to the board 
the following petition : 



260 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

'''•To the County Board of Labette County, Kansas: The imdersigned, 
residents of Oswego township, over the age of 31 years, respectfully ask 
yon not to grant license to establish a dramshop at Oswego at your next 
meeting." 

And then follows their action thereon : 

"And the board having duly considered the same, do and it is hereby 
ordered that the board will not bind nor circumscribe its powers, but will 
endeavor to act at all times and upon all subjects according to law and 
justice. Wherefore, said petition is not granted." 

There seems to have been no other saloon license granted until Janu- 
ary 7, 1869, when John R. Clover and H. H. Stanley were granted a 
license on a petition said to contain the names of a majority of the citi- 
zens of Oswego township. The record shows that Commissioner Moles- 
worth voted to fix the amount charged for the license at $500, but that 
Commissioners Logan and Butterw^orth agreed to charge but ftlOO there- 
for. A year thereafter these parties had their license renewed by the 
Commissioners, at the same price. 

After 1870, Oswego and Chetopa being organized under city govern- 
ment, the manner of regulating the sale of liquor in these places passed 
from the Board of County Commissioners to that of the City Council. 
The jurisdiction of the Commissioners was confined to the rest of the 
county. 

The first record which I have found of a license being applied for 
outside of Richland and Oswego townships was that of Thomas Phillips 
to keep a saloon in Montana; this was at the meeting of the board in 
January, 1872. A remonstrance was also presented, and the license 
was refused. However, at their meeting in July of the same year the 
board granted a license to William T. Trapp, for a fee of $150. This 
was not the first saloon, however, that was kept in Montana. Several 
parties at different times were engaged in the saloon business who con- 
ducted it in defiance of law^ 

At the January, 1874, meeting of the board, two saloons were authorized 
to be licensed in Montana, at a fee of $100 each — one to be kept by Ed- 
ward Wilcox, and the other by William T. Trapp and Andrew Dixon. 

On February 2, 1875, J. S. Waters presented the petition of himself 
and 168 others, asking that license be granted to Andrew Dixon, and on 
the same day the petition was granted, the fee to be charged therefor to 
be .S300 ; but soon thereafter Mr. Waters appeared before the Commis- 
sioners and recommended that the fee be but $100. On consideration, 
the board finally fixed the fee at $200. In 1876 Dixon's license was again 
renewed, the fee charged this time being but $100. It was not long after 
its renewal until Mrs. Waters appeared before the board and showed that 
some of the names on the petition for license were not legal petitioners, 



THE STRUGGLE FOR TEMPERANCE. 261 

aud she succeeded in getting the board to make an order revoking the 
license. At the next meeting, however, Mr. Dixon appeared with his 
attorney before the board, and by making them believe that they had no 
authority to revoke a license once granted, induced them to rescind their 
former action aud leave his license in force. 

It was not long after the town of Labette was started until saloons 
were opened aud run without the sanction of law, aud yet without re- 
ceiving any great amouut of molestation from the law officers. 

During 1872 and 1873 there was little organized effort at any place in 
the county to prevent the obtaining of license, or for the purpose of see- 
ing that the law against illegal sales was practically enforced. Some 
temperance meetings were held, and some protests were made by the 
temperance people, but nothing very effective was done. 

THE CRUSADE SPIRIT. 

The spring and summer of 1874 was one of the most exciting times 
upon the temperance question that had ever been known in the county. 
The spirit of the "crusaders," which in many places in the East had led 
the women to make raids on the saloons and pour liquor into the gutter, 
manifested itself in this county in a milder but scarcely less determined 
form. No saloons were raided, but in Oswego the women held prayer 
meetings in the churches, and visited the saloons and requested the pro- 
prietors to give up their business. Of course these requests were not 
complied with. But the ladies' organization was kept up, the entire city 
was thoroughly canvassed, immense petitions were secured praying the 
Council to issue uo license at all, and demanding that the law requiring 
a petition of a majority of the residents of the ward to be presented be- 
fore a license should be issued, should be enforced. At that time the law 
of the State required a petition of a majority of the residents of the 
township or ward, male and female, to be presented requesting such ac- 
tion before any dramshop license could be granted, but provided that the 
mayor and council of cities of the first and second class might, by ordi- 
nance, dispense with such petition. At the request of the ladies the 
Mayor called a special meeting of the Council, which was held on May 
4, 1874, at which time a large delegation of ladies appeared before the 
Council and presented their petitions, and had several arguments made 
in favor of carrying out the spirit expressed therein. Prior to this no 
ordinance had been passed dispensing with the necessity of a petition, 
but the Council had entirely disregarded the law requiring a petition, and 
had uniformly granted license on the simple petition of the applicant 
himself. It being now apparent that such action would not be tolerated, 
at the close of the argument in favor of granting the ladies' petition a 



262 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

motion was made instructing the committee to prepare and present an 
ordinance to dispense with the necessity for a petition by a majority of 
the residents of the ward, as they were authorized to do by statute. The 
vote on the passage of this motion resulted in a tie of the Council, and 
the Mayor gave the casting vote in opposition thereto, thus establishing 
the rule that licensed saloons could not exist in any ward until a majority 
of the adult residents thereof, male and female, should petition therefor. 
For this action the Mayor received a vote of thanks from the ladies' as- 
sociation. 

Less than a week later another meeting of the Council was called, at 
which an ordinance dispensing with the necessity for a petition contain- 
ing the names of a majority of the residents of the ward before a license 
could be granted was introduced, and on motion to adopt the same the 
vote of the Council, as at the previous meeting, stood a tie, and the 
Mayor gave the casting vote in favor of its passage, and thereby inau- 
gurated the policy in the form of law, which since the incorporation of 
the city had been practiced in defiance of law, of allowing the Mayor 
and Council to grant license without an express wish of the people there- 
for. This action on the part of the Mayor and Council created great 
excitement. A public meeting was immediately called, and strong reso- 
lutions of disapprobation of this action were unanimously passed. Tem- 
perance meetings continued to be held and public sentiment aroused. 

At the time Oswego was having this earnest action, rousing temper- 
ance meetings were held w^eekly at Parsons, and were addressed by lead- 
ing and influential citizens, as well as by the clergy. A little later, 
similar steps were taken at Chetopa. Public meetings were held and 
speeches made disapproving the licensing of saloons, and petitions were 
circulated and largely signed asking the Council to grant no license until 
petitioned for by a majority of the residents of the ward as required by 
law. These petitions, however, were unavailing, and at the close of the 
month a large number of saloons were licensed over the earnest protest 
of the temperance people. 

The temperance people were now intent on preventing the issuance of 
license in the cities unless the same were petitioned for by a majority of 
the residents of the ward ; and at the county temperance convention held 
on October 6, 1874, on motion of Nelson Case it was unanimously — 

'■''Resolved, That we are in favor of the immediate repeal of th^iyroviso 
of section 1 of the dramshop act, and request our entire delegation in 
the Legislature to use their utmost exertions to secure such result." 

Early in 1874 a party decided it would be a profitable thing to open a 
saloon in Mound Valley, and set about obtaining a petition asking the 
Commissioners to grant him a license for that purpose. As soon as this 



THE STRUGGLE EOR TEMPERANCE. 263 



was kDown a public meeting was called and held at the school-house, on 
February 2d, and rousing temperance speeches were made, and a deter- 
mination expressed that no saloon should be opened in that place. A 
remonstrance was circulated, and a large majority of the people signed 
the same. During the winter of 1873 and 1874 the temperance sentiment 
in Chetopa was sustained by the maintenance of the weekly temperance 
literary society, in which a temperance paper was read, temperance de- 
bates were had, and all phases of the question were discussed. Nearly 
all of the temperance workers in the place took part in this society. 

REFORM CLUB. 

On July 8, 1877, quite a number of the men of Oswego who were in 
the habit of indulging somewhat freely in intoxicating liquors organized 
themselves into a reform club, with William Wells as president and L. 
C. Howard as secretary. The purpose of the club was to assist its mem- 
bers either in abstaining altogether from the use of liquor, or to abstain 
therefrom excepting under certain conditions. 

BREWERIES. 

As early as 1870, Max Muehlschuster started a brewery on the Neosho 
river at Chetopa, and soon opened in connection therewith a beer garden 
on the east side of the river. These were conducted by him until his 
death. In July, 1871. 

In 1870 a building for a brewery was erected in the north edge of Os- 
wego by John Seiber and Edward Eckle, but on account of financial em- 
barrassment on the part of the proprietors it was never put in operation. 

Early in 1873 John Apperger commenced the construction of a brewery 
just on the brow of the hill in the east part of Oswego, south of the sec- 
tion-line road running to Columbus, which was dedicated by a free-beer 
frolic on Sunday, April 31, 1873. Apperger ran the brewery for some 
four years, but finally, in November, 1877, it was closed by the Collector 
of Internal Revenue for Illicit transactions, and soon thereafter Apperger 
moved away. MURPfir MEETINGS. 

Murphy meetings in the county commenced in Oswego, where, about 
the 1st of October, 1877, a series of meetings was begun in the Methodist 
church, under the general direction of the pastor, which were kept up 
nightly for quite a length of time, and at which nearly all of the citizens 
who at any time spoke in public, as well as persons from abroad, made 
speeches. Miss Amanda Way was present on one or two occasions. 
The meetings resulted in securing the signatures of over five hundred of 
the citizens to the Murphy pledge. At its close steps w^ere taken for 
opening a library and reading-room. 



264 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

SooD after the opening of the meetings in Oswego a series of meetings 
was held at Chetopa, conducted by Mrs. S. A. Williams, which resulted 
in securing something like six hundred signatures to the Murphy pledge. 

About the same time similar meetings were conducted at Parsons by 
Miss Amanda Way, at which about eight hundred parties took the 
Murphy pledge. Steps were taken at the close of these meetings look- 
ing to the opening of a free reading-room. 

During that winter Murphy meetings were held in a large number of 
the school-houses throughout the county, especially in the southern part. 
T. J. Calvin took a leading part in getting them started, and provided 
for their being frequently conducted. From these temperance meetings 
organizations were secured in the Baylor school-house, with W. G. Bay- 
lor as president, and in the Lockard school-house, with A. B. Hammer as 
president. At Montana during the same period. Murphy meetings were 
scarcely less successful than at either of the other points in the county. 
The whole neighborhood was thoroughly aroused, and a very large pro- 
portion of the people took the pledge. 

DISPENSING WITH PETITION. 

On May 28, 1877, the City Council of Parsons by unanimous vote 
passed an ordinance requiring the presentation of a petition of a majority 
of the residents of a ward in order to obtain a license. The Mayor, 
however, vetoed this ordinance, and the Council declined to pass it over 
his veto. The strong argument against the passage of the ordinance 
seemed to be that thereby some of the nine saloons then running in the 
city would not be able to procure the necessary petition, and the city 
would thereby be deprived of the $200 fee charged therefor. A public 
meeting was had, at which a vote of thanks w^as tendered the three 
Couneilmen who voted for the passage of the ordinance notwithstanding 
the Mayor's veto. 

Following up the Murphy movement in Oswego, petitions were presented 
to the Council requesting the repeal of the ordinance dispensing with the 
necessity of petition, in compliance with which the Council did, on No- 
vember 2, 1877, repeal the ordinance on that subject, and thereby made 
it practically certain that licensed saloons must cease with the last of the 
year, for with the sentiment as it then existed, there was no probability 
of anyone obtaining a sufficient petition to entitle the Council to grant 
license, were they so disposed. On the 1st of January, 1878, Oswego for 
the first time since the granting of the first license ten years before, was 
without a licensed saloon ; nor did she have one running during the next 
three months. In February, 1878, C. B. Woodford presented a petition 
sufficiently signed to authorize the Council to issue a license, provided they 



THE STRUGGLE FOR TEMPERANCE. 265 

had chosen to issue it, for the purpose of selling "spirituous, vinous, and 
malt liquors in this city for medical, culinary, sacramental and mechanical 
purposes." Signatures to this petition were obtained on the theory that it 
was not for the purpose of securing license to open a saloon, but only for 
the sale of liquor for the purposes therein named. However, the Council 
refused to grant the petition, and passed a preamble and a resolution that 
no license would be issued until after the people had had an opportunity 
to express themselves at the polls whether they desired license to be re- 
stored. At the city election the only question was whether or not a mayor 
and council should be elected in favor of granting license, and the people 
decided in favor of license by a majority of more than one hundred. Of 
course with such a verdict in favor of a change of policy from that which 
had been pursued for the three months past, the Council was not long in 
granting license to those who had been anxiously waiting for an opportu- 
nity to open saloons, and from this time on until the State prohibitory law 
went into effect Oswego was able to furnish those who wished to buy, all 
the liquor they needed, not only for "culinary and medicinal," but also 
for intoxicating purposes. 

On January 1, 1878, in compliance with request of a petition very 
largely signed by the citizens of Chetopa, the Mayor and Council of that 
city unanimously passed an ordinance repealing the ordinance then in 
force dispensing with petition, thereby making it incumbent on the ap- 
plicant for license to get a majority of the ward, male and female, to 
petition therefor before he could obtain license to sell liquor. It was 
supposed that this would be sufficient to do away with saloons in that 
town. However, just one week thereafter a petition of the residents of 
the first ward was presented to the Council, containing the requisite num- 
ber of signatures, and a saloon was duly licensed. From that time the 
temperance war was carried on in earnest. Public meetings were fre- 
quently held, and every step possible taken to consolidate the sentiment 
in favor of no-license. This was the direct issue at the city election in 
April, 1878, and by a small majority the temperance people succeeded in 
electing officers opposed to the issuance of any license. At the expira- 
tion of the licenses then in existence, on June 30th, legalized saloons 
ceased in Chetopa, and were not again introduced. In the spring of 
1879 little interest was taken in the election, and the result was that one 
license Councilman was elected, which made the Councir stand a tie. 
Soon thereafter, petitions were circulated to secure signatures asking 
that license again be granted. A vacancy soon occurred in the City 
Council ; a special election resulted in the election of a temperance man, 
which again gave a clear majority of the Council opposed to license, and 
therel)y, as was supposed, determined the matter of saloons for another 



266 HISTORY OF LABBITTE COUNTY. 

year. But later in the season further efforts were made by the liquor 
men to obtain license, and by direction of the Council the Mayor called 
a special election, to be held on September 23, 1879, of all persons of 
lawful age, both male and female, to determine by ballot whether or not 
the Council should grant dramshop license. The vote was taken, result- 
ing in 66 men and 113 women voting against license, and not one vote in 
favor thereof. Prior to the election in April, 1880, a vigorous effort was 
made to arouse the temperance sentiment both in the town and surround- 
ing country. Petitions were sent out to secure the signatures of farmers 
who preferred to trade in a temperance town, and of course a vast ma- 
jority of them signed it. The election, however, resulted in the choice 
of one Councilman opposed to license and one in favor, thereby making 
the Council a tie upon that question. 

TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATIONS. 

I. O. G. T. 

Os^vEGo. — The first lodge of this order established in the county was 
organized at Oswego on November 14, 1869. Several temperance work- 
ers, feeling the necessity for something being done to save young men 
from drunkenness, applied to the officers of the grand lodge for a char- 
ter. J. J. Browne was appointed deputy to institute the lodge ; Nelson 
Case was elected W. C. T., and A. B. Close W. S. After some years this 
lodge became somewhat disorganized. On May 10, 1876, a district Good 
Templars' meeting was held at the Congregational church in Oswego, at 
which steps were taken to reorganize a lodge at this place. A number of 
persons signified their willingness to go into such an organization, and a 
lodge was soon thereafter instituted, which, with more or less regularity, 
maintained its existence until June, 1882, when, prohibition having been 
adopted, its members deemed it unwise longer to continue its operation, 
and it was suspended. The money in the treasury, amounting to S30, 
was donated to the library association. 

Chetopa. — The second lodge formed in the county was organized at 
Chetopa, where, by the aid of the members from the Oswego lodge, one 
was instituted on January 24, 1870, with G. L. Courtney as W. C. T., 
and S. T. Beck W. S. With some interruptions a lodge was maintained 
at Chetopa as late as 1877. Lodges were had at one time at Montana, 
the Lockard school-house, the Breese school-house, and probably at 
other points in the county. None of these were of very long duration. 

MouxD Valley. — On October 10, 1877, under the leadership of Mrs. 
Williams, a grand lodge deputy, a lodge was instituted at Mound Valley, 
and was maintained for some eight years, when it became disorganized. 
Robert R. Coleman was its first W. C. T., and he and his family were 



THE STRUGGLE FOR TEMPERANCE. 267 



active workers duriug the history of the lodge. November 2, 1885, a re- 
organizatiou was had, and the lodge from this time was maintained regu- 
larly till May 9, 1887, when it was again discontinued. Very much of 
the temperance sentiment of Mound Valley may be ascribed to the prin- 
ciples instilled into the minds of the young, and to the correct temper- 
ance education given in this lodge. 

Parsons.— On November 13, 1874, through the instrumentality of 
Rev. J. P. Hight, a lodge was organized with M. G. Brown as W. C. T., 
Mrs. M. M. Hill W. V. T., Jas. Grimes W. S., M. Johnson W. T. With 
slight interruptions the lodge maintained its organization until the adop- 
tion of the prohibitory amendment, after which time it was allowed to 
die. Mr. Grimes, who was the first secretary of this lodge, afterward 
became quite prominent in the order, being at one time secretary and 
afterward G. W. C. T. of the Grand Lodge of the State, and several times 
represented the State in the R. W. G. Lodge. 

c. T. u. 

In 1877 local organizations of the Christian Temperance Union were 
formed at two or three places in the county. On October 25th one was 
formed at Chetopa, with T. J. Calvin president and J. M. Cavaness sec- 
retary. Sometime that fall or winter one was formed at Oswego, and 
one also existed at Montana. On March 20, 1878, a county union was 
formed, with H. G. Webb president, Mary A. Higby secretary, Robert 
L. Curl treasurer, and J. S. Waters organizer. 

Local Organizations,— The illegal sale of liquor in Altamont, re- 
sulting in the repeated and continued intoxication of several men, became 
so unbearable that in July, 1884, there was organized the Ladies' Tem- 
perance Alliance, with Mrs. Lizzie Hughes as president. This organiza- 
tion did much good in creating a public sentiment in favor of putting a 
stop to the illegal sale of liquor, and inducing those who were drinking 
to refrain therefrom. 

In 1883 the ladies of Mound Valley maintained a local imion, which 
rendered efficient aid to the cause in the way of encouraging and aiding 
those who were engaged in securing the enforcement of the law. 

The Oswego Temperance Union was formed in January, 1880, and 
under its management the entire city was canvassed for signers to a 
pledge against the use of liquor and also against aiding in securing a 
license for a saloon. w c t u 

On November 16, 1883, a union was organized in Chetopa by Mrs. 
Drusilla Wilson. Mrs. Julia R. Knight was elected pra'^ident. Miss 
Agnes Baty recording secretary, Mrs. Nancy Anderson corresponding 
secretary, Mrs. Isabel Cavaness treasurer. About July 28, 1880, a union 



268 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

was formed at Parsons, with Mrs. A. Nealy secretary. On March 5, 
1885, Mrs. M. E. Griffith, State organizer, held a week's meeting at 
Mound Valley, and at its close organized a union. After continuing its 
operation for a few months this organization became disbanded, but on 
August 10, 1886, it was reorganized, with Mrs. E. A. West president, and- 
Mrs. H. Beggs secretary. This union still maintains a vigorous organi- 
zation. 

On March 2, 1885, a union was formed at Oswego, with Mrs. E. Elliott 
president and Mrs. Lydia A. Baldwin secretary. Among the other la- 
dies who were associated with them in this work were Mrs. Augusta 
Herbaugh, Mrs. Mary E. Case, Mrs. Sallie J. Stonecipher, Mrs. M. L. 
Newlon. county union. 

In March, 1886, delegates from the several unions in the county met 
and organized a county union, electing Mrs. Z. L. Janes, of Parsons, 
president, and Mrs. E. A. West, of Mound Valley, secretary. Mrs. 
West was reelected secretary in 1887 and 1888. In 1887 Mrs. E. W. 
Ross was elected president, and Miss M. E. Scott in 1888. Miss Scott 
has continued to fill the position of president from that time to this. 
Mrs. Hattie A. Coleman was first elected secretary in 1889, and has since 
then continued to hold the position. 

THE PROHIBITION CANVASS. 

Early in 1880 steps were taken by the temperance people of the county 
to thoroughly present the claims of the pending constitutional amend- 
ment, to prohibit the sale and manufacture of intoxicating liquors, to the 
intelligent and conscientious consideration of the electors of the county. 
In August, 1880, Mrs. Lang lectured at Chetopa, at the close of which a 
prohibition society was formed, which soon thereafter adopted a consti- 
tution, and elected C. H. McCreeiy president and F. D. Allen secretary. 
In Elm Grove township a healthy prohibition club was organized early 
in September, with the avowed intention of thoroughly canvassing the 
township. In the same month a series of meetings lasting over a week 
was held in Oswego, at which E. B. Reynolds of Indiana and Col. C. N. 
Golding were the principal speakers. During that fall nearly all of the 
prominent workers in the county were engaged more or less in canvass- 
ing for the amendment. The cause was aided very materially by promi- 
nent workers from abroad, among whom, in addition to those above 
named, may be mentioned Gov. St. John, Judge Layton, Frank J. Sibley, 
and George W. Bain. The result of the effort was, that at the election 
in November 2,082 votes were polled for the amendment and 2,123 
against it. While the friends of temperance had hoped to have a ma- 
jority in favor of prohibition, they felt quite well satisfied that the result 



THE STRUGGLE FOR TEMPERANCE. 269 



was so small a majority agaiust it. The constitutional amendment hav- 
ing been adopted in the State, and the law for its enforcement having 
gone into effect on May 1, 1881, it was not long until most of the saloons 
were closed. A few held out with the idea that the law would not be 
enforced, but the majority in that business preferred to transfer their 
operations to more favorable fields. 

FIRST ANNIVERSARY. 

On May 1, 1883, the temperance people of the county celebrated the 
first anniversary of prohibition by a public meeting held at Oswego. 
Gov. St. John was present, and made the principal address. The day 
was unfavorable, a heavy rain falling almost continually from 9 o'clock 
until after the proceedings had closed ; yet notwithstanding this an im- 
mense crowd assembled, coming from nearly all parts of the county. 
Even the enemies of prohibition had to concede that the celebration was 
a success, and its friends were strengthened in theii- determination to see 
the saloon permanently driven out. 

ORGANIZATIONS FOR ENFORCING THE LAW. 

It was not long after this, however, until the friends of prohibition in 
the county who were gifted with any measure of discernment were satis- 
fied that its enforcement meant a long and hard struggle. Those who 
had been accustomed to reap the enormous profits which are incident to 
the sale of liquor, and whose disposition was to furnish all means pos- 
sible for man's downfall, were not disposed to surrender the privilege 
they had for such a length of time enjoyed, so long as they could find 
any means by which they could successfully defy the law. The number 
of those engaged in the traffic being so much larger at Parsons than at 
any other point in the county, and they having more capital invested in 
the undertaking, made that the headquarters for the liquor-men of the 
county. 

E. R. Marvin, the proprietor of the Belmont House, was the leader of 
this law-defying class. As good attorneys as could be found in the 
county were employed in the defense of Marvin, and those arrested with 
him, for the violation of the law. A protracted legal contest ensued, in 
which for a time it seemed as though the defyers of the law were to be 
triumphant because of the inability to secure a jury who would render a 
verdict of conviction even when the most positive and convincing testi- 
mony was presented to them. Occasionally, however, a jury of honest 
men could be secured, and witnesses who knew something of the obliga- 
tions of an oath could be put upon the stand, in which case verdicts of 
guilt were found. To aid the officers in the enforcement of this law, 
various local organizations were formed from time to time as necessity 



270 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

seemed to require, aud the wisdom of the temperance people judged ad- 
visable. The first of these which was at all prominent and effective was 
The Labette County Law Enforcement Society, which was organized in 
the court-house in Oswego January 37, 1883 ; Rev. John Elliott was 
elected president, W. L. Simons vice-president, A. A. Osgood secretary, 
and J. M. Bowman treasurer. This meeting was largely attended by 
delegates from all parts of the county. Prior to this, however, local or- 
ganizations had been formed in Oswego, Chetopa, and Parsons. In 
July, 1882, a prohibition association was formed at Oswego. The Law 
Enforcement Society continued in force for some two years, during which 
it raised quite large sums of money with which to employ counsel to as- 
sist the County Attorney and to meet the expenses necessary to a pro- 
tracted litigation. It was thought best to raise this money by private 
subscription, so that the public expenses attendant on the enforcement of 
the law would not make it obnoxious to those tax-payers who might not 
have any particular interest in seeing it made a success. 

On May 9, 1885, Hon. Albert Griffin lectured in Oswego, and at the 
close of the lecture a committee consisting of Nelson Case of Oswego, 
T. J. Calvin of Chetopa, and Rev. H. A. Tucker of Parsons, was ap- 
pointed to effect a county organization. Thereafter, on October 20, 1885, 
the Labette County Temperance Union was organized, at the office of 
Nelson Case, in Oswego, a public meeting having been called at said 
office for that purpose. Rev. H. A. Tucker was elected president, sev- 
eral parties in different parts of the county vice-presidents. Nelson Case 
secretary, and C. U. Dorman treasurer. This organization proved more 
effective than any that had hitherto been formed for the purpose of en- 
forcing the prohibitory law. Mr. Tucker devoted a large amount of 
time canvassing the county, forming local associations, creating public 
sentiment in favor of the law, and uniting the earnest temperance work- 
ers into a solid organization for active duty. The result was that every 
saloon in the county was closed; scarcely a "boot-legger" or "jointist" 
was foolhardy enough to risk his liberty for the amount of profit to be 
realized from the sales he could hope to make. Not a very large amount 
of money was raised or expended by this organization, but a very large 
amount of earnest work was done by a few who were determined to see 
that the law was enforced, and it was practically demonstrated that pro- 
hibition could be made to prohibit when the officers, backed by a healthy 
public sentiment, were determined that it should be. 

DRUGGISTS' REPORTS. 
It was thought by some that the druggists who had been licensed to 
sell liquor under the law during 1882 had sold a larger quantity than was 



THE STRUGGLE TOR TEMPERANCE. 271 

really needed for "medicinal, scientific and mechanical purposes." With 
the opening of 1883 the Probate Judge, while yet there was no law re- 
quiring reports to be made by those licensed to sell liquor, prepared 
blanks which he distributed to all of the druggists to whom license had 
been granted, requesting them to make monthly reports, verified by their 
affidavit to be true and correct, showing under the following heads what 
they had done in the way of making sales, viz. : "No. of sale," "Date," 
"Name of physician making prescription," "Person for whom liquor 
was prescribed," "Person to whom the liquor was delivered," "Kind of 
liquor sold," "Amount of liquor sold." Most of the druggists complied 
with this request without objection, and made their reports. Some of 
the reports showed a very large amount of liquor sold, and whether or 
not it was sold illegally seemed to depend principally upon whether or 
not the druggist had a right to fill all prescriptions made by practicing 
physicians, or whether he was bound to know that a prescription for 
liquor every day or oftener was in fact a subterfuge in order to enable 
the party to procure liquor to use as a beverage and not as a medicine. 
It became evident that the great bulk of prescriptions were made by a 
few physicians, and that they were made regularly to parties who thus 
obtained liquor almost as frequently as was desired. Some druggists re- 
fused to make reports as requested : to all such the Probate Judge refused 
to renew their license when those that already had been given had ex- 
pired. This caused a little friction, but in the end the plan adopted very 
largely secured the end sought, viz., to license only the druggists who 
were found not to abuse the privilege of the permit and under cover of 
the druggists' license carry on a real saloon. Two years after the adop- 
tion of this policy by the Probate Judge the Legislature enacted a law 
substantially requiring what he had been doing without any law on the 
subject. It was found that very few responsible druggists cared to have 
the files of a public office contain the evidence of their carrying on a 
saloon business. In many ways the practice of requiring reports to be 
made, and thus giving publicity to all sales of liquor, was found to be 
conducive to the cause of temperance and to tend to lessen the amount 
of liquor sold and consumed. 

"ORIGINAL PACKAGE" HOUSES. 

In April, 1890, the Supreme Court of the United States, in a cause 
brought there by writ of error from the Supreme Court of Iowa, decided 
that a liquor-seller in one State might send his liquors into another, there 
to be sold in the original packages as they were shipped, notwithstanding 
the laws of the latter State absolutely prohibited the sale of liquor within 
its boundaries. This decision announced a rule entirely opposed to the 



272 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

opiniou which was generally entertained by the legal profession respect- 
ing the clause of the Federal Constitution giving to Congress the power 
to regulate interstate commerce ; and by virtue of it a century's practice 
of police regulation was upset, and a new system instituted as contrary 
thereto as could have been effected by a legislative enactment. Seldom 
has anything transpired which has been hailed by the saloon-men with a 
greater degree of delight than was manifested by them on the announce- 
ment of this decision. They were not long in making their arrangements 
to open saloons under the designation of "original-package houses" in 
nearly every town where public sentiment would at all tolerate them. 
In many places the temperance people made such a bold resistance to 
their introduction that the proprietors deemed it unwise to force them 
upon the people. 

This state of things was not left to be continued for a great length of 
time under the sanction of law. On August 8, 1890, the Congressional 
enactment known as the Wilson bill was approved, whereby the old rule 
of allowing the States under their power of police regulation to prescribe 
such rules as they desired, governing or prohibiting the sale of intoxicat- 
ing liquors within their respective jurisdictions, was revived. Very soon 
thereafter the original-package saloon, like its predecessor of some other 
name, took its departure from our county. 

A party brought a lot of liquors to Oswego, and attempted to rent a 
room in which to open out an original-package saloon. He found trouble 
In securing a room. Finally some one, to see what effect it would have, 
got a sign painted and put it up over the door of a vacant room belong- 
ing to John Clover. The town was soon astir with excitement. Mrs. 
Clover came up town, and, learning of the sign being on their building, 
at once proceeded to have it torn down. The determined opposition to 
the opening of such a saloon deterred any farther attempt in that direc- 
tion. 

In both Parsons and Chetopa these original -package houses were 
opened, several in both places running until after the passage of the 
Wilson bill. As is often done by saloon-men, those opening these houses 
were not content to sell under the law as it had been interpreted by the 
court granting them the authority so to do, but, disregarding the legal 
restrictions which the law had thrown around the sale, they carried on 
an open saloon. Prosecutions were soon commenced against them, and 
probably had the Wilson bill not been passed most of these houses could 
have been closed and their proprietors confined in the county jail : but 
the passage of the law and the criminal prosecutions instituted by our 
officials effectively removed from our boundaries the last original-package 
house. 



POSTOFFICES AND POSTMASTERS. 



Altainont. — Name changed from Elston Feb. 1, 1875. Postmasters 
appointed as follows: Henry E. Hammon, Feb, 1, 1875; Jane Huston, 
Nov. 19, 1878; William M. Paramore, Sept. 18, 1884; Andrew J. Garst, 
Oct. 21, 1885; Martha E. Davis, July 32, 1889. 

Angola. — Name changed from Arnold Jan. 31, 1887. Postmasters ap- 
pointed: Isaac N. Watson, Jan. 31, 1887; Alfred Elliott, March 29, 1889. 

Arnold. — Established Aug. 1, 1881. Postmasters appointed: Allen S. 
Meek, Aug. 1, 1881; James M. Sage, Jan. 4, 1884. Name changed to 
Angola Jan. 31, 1887. 

Bartlett. — Established Sept. 15, 1886. Postmasters appointed: Jerome 
Callahan, Sept. 15, 1886; Ira W. Clark, April 11, 1889; Haly J. Reece, 
Oct. 10, 1889. 

Big Hill. — Established June 8, 1868. Postmasters appointed: Joseph 
McCormick, June 8, 1868; David Stanfield, March 24, 1871. Discontin- 
ued Sept. 18, 1871. 

Barton. — Established Jan. 11, 1877. Postmasters appointed: John H. 
Tibbets, Jan. 11, 1877; William Paramore, March 28, 1884; George E. 
Nichols, July 28, 1884. Discontinued March 19, 1886. 

Cecil. — Established February 15, 1881. Postmasters appointed : John 
Lyons, Feb. 15, 1881; George Berge, May 8, 1882; Cornelius W. Fowler. 
Dec. 9, 1885; Mrs. Elizabeih Lewman, April 4, 1887; George Berge, May 
15, 1889. 

Chetopa. — Established April 15, 1867. Postmasters appointed: Wil- 
loughby Doudna, April 15, 1867; Zachariah Woodward, May 8, 1868; 
Ephraim J. Stuart, Jan. 13, 1870; Jetferson J. Hibbetts, April 22, 1872; 
James M. Cavaness, Oct. 29, 1875; Josephus P. De Jarnett, May 18, 1885: 
Joseph Craft, July 18, 1889. 

Glymore. — Established Nov. 15, 1869, Postmaster appointed: John 
W. Lushbaugh, Nov. 15, 1869. Discontinued May 7, 1872. 

Cresicell. — Established March 25, 1870. Postmaster appointed: Ed- 
ward Spicer, March 25, 1870. Discontinued Sept. 11, 1871. 

Grouse. — Established April 23, 1880. Postmasters appointed: Daniel 
B. Grouse, April 2:^, 1880; M. Jennie Sacks, April 7, 1884; Jennie M. 
Hunter, May 1, 1884. Discontinued Oct. 23, 1885. 

Dennis. — Established June 8, 1881. Postmasters appointed: John S. 
Milligan, June 8, 1881; John N. Webb, Nov. 21, 1881; James L. Wilson, 
Sept. 1, 1885; Louis R. Powell, Dec. 16, 1887; John Raney, July 24, 1889. 

Dora. — Established Dec. 24, 1869. Postmasters appointed: William 
H. Godwin, Dec. 24, 1869; Francis W. Noblett, Nov. 24, 1877; John I. 
Martin, Nov. 26, 1884; Mrs. Ada James, Jan. 23, 1885. Discontinued 
Nov. 11, 1886. 

-18 (273) 



274 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY 



Daytomille. — Established Aug. 12, 1870. Postmaster appointed: Elisha 
K. Current, Aug. 12, 1870. Discontinued July 7, 1871. 

Beertoion. — Established Sept. 5, 1881. Postmasters appointed: Aaron 
Humes, Sept. 5, 1881; Charles M. Keeler, Sept. 4, 1884. Name changed 
to Valeda Sept. 3, 1886. 

Edna. — Established April 4, 1878. Postmasters appointed: Alexander 
Pattison, April 4, 1878: Frank A. Clark, Jan. 30, 1880; John S. Odell, 
Nov. 20, 1886; Frank W. Martin, June 12, 1889. 

Elm City. — Established Sept. 24, 1886. Postmasters appointed: Zach- 
ariah H. Roberson, Sept. 24, 1886; Lewis F. Smith, Dec. 19, 1888; James 
H. Brown, Feb. 28, 1889; Thomas Greenup, May 21, 1891. 

Elston. — Established May 18, 1870. Postmasters appointed: John B. 
Laurence, May 18, 1870; David L. Adams, July 24, 1870; Martin V. B. 
Watson, Feb. 24, 1871. Discontinued June 11, 1873. Reestablished 
Aug. 19, 1873. Postmasters appointed: John Elston, Aug. 19, 1873; 
Susan A. Prather, Jan. 7, 1874; Henry A. Hammon, Oct. 21, 1874. 
Name changed to Altamont Feb. 1, 1875. 

Fishkill. — Established July 3, 1878. Postmaster appointed: William 
H. Fish, July 3, 1878. Discontinued July 2, 1879. 

Oorham. — Established June 11, 1875. Postmaster appointed: Park 

B. Clark, June 11, 1875. Discontinued Sept. 5, 1878. 

Grant. — Established May 8, 1876. Postmaster appointed: William J. 
Harshaw, May 8, 1876. Discontinued Dec. 13, 1876. 

Hackherry. — Established April 1, 1875. Postmaster appointed: Theo- 
dore A. Fellows, April 1, 1875. Discontinued July 13, 1876. 

Idenbro. — Established Oct. 18, 1887. Postmaster appointed: Thomas 
T. Iden, Oct. 18, 1887. 

luka. — Established Dec. 10, 1866. Postmasters appointed: John P. 
D. Mouriquaud, Dec. 10, 1866; Zachariah Harris, April 11, 1867; Jesse 
Fry, March 17, 1868. Discontinued Aug. 31, 1868. Reestablished Feb- 
ruary 15, 1869. Postmaster appointed: Aaron P. Grover, Feb. 15, 1869. 
Discontinued Dec. 14, 1S69. 

Kingsto7i. — Established Jan. 9, 1878. Postmaster appointed: Charles 
W. Campbell, Jan. 9, 1878. Discontinued Nov. 20. 1886. 

Labette City. — Established June 1868, 16. Postmasters appointed: 
Richard G. Tileston, June 16, 1868; George H. English, July 20, 1869. 
Discontinued April 8, 1870. 

Labette. — Name changed from Neola July 3, 1870. Postmasters ap- 
pointed: David C. Lowe, July 3, 1870; James W. H. Goulden, Oct. 3, 
1870; Samuel W. Collins, March 16, 1875; Jonas T. Lampson, June 30, 
1875; James W. H. Golden, Jan. 5, 1876; John S. McClain, Nov. 4, 1885; 
Alonzo C. Lamm, April 16, 1889. 

Laneville. — Established May 29, 1884. Postmasters appointed: Isaac 
W. Galyen, May 29, 1884; John W. Morning, April 16, 1886; Benjamin 
Franklin, Nov. 13, 1886; Samuel Ballentine, Nov. 1, 1887; Ira P. Mer- 
rill, April 9, 1888. 

Lake Creek. — Established Dec. 5, 1870. Postmaster appointed: Oscar 

C. Ketchum, Dec. 5, 1870. Discontinued March 29, 1872. 



POSTOFFICES AND POSTMASTERS. 275 



Mattltewson. — Established August 15, 1878. Postmasters appointed 
William T. Carter, Aug. 15, 1878; William McDown, June 24, 1879 
Gustavus V. Watsou, April 3, 1882; William McDown, April 21, 1882 
Marshall E. Thonipson, Jan. 22, 1883; William McDown, Nov. 17, 1885. 

Minerva. — Established Dec. 8, 1874. Postmasters appointed: William 
H. Bower, Dec. 8,J874; Charles M. Keeler, July 23, 1877; Morris W. 
Monroe, Nov. 13, 1878; Daniel W. Butler, Nov. 10, 1879; Ptussell A. 
Curry, Jan. 24, 1882; Martha E. Butler, May 11, 1882; Mary E. Adams, 
July 6, 1883; Kussell A. Curry, July 20, 1883; Mary E. Adams, Nov. 15, 
1883. 

Montana. — Established Oct. 4, 18()(). Postmasters appointed: Ben- 
jamin F. Simons, Oct. 4, 1866; Samuel S. Watson, Jan. 21, 1868; Charles 
E. Simons, May 21, 1872; Samuel Ballentine, Jan. 22, 1877; Jonathan 
J. Freeman, Sept. 2, 1885; Samuel Ballentine, July 15, 1889. 

Mortimer. — Established Jan. 12, 1883. Postmasters appointed: James 
T. Mortimer, Jan. 12, 1883; William J. Iliff, July 11, 1883; James G. 
Finley, Feb. 18, 1884; James B. Hibbard, Feb. 24, 1886; Geo. Lohman, 
July 9, 1886; Emanuel Mortimer, Nov. 1, 1886; William H. Makeany, 
April 20, 1889. 

Mound Valley. — Established May 18, 1870. Postmasters appointed: 
Alexander Honrath, May 18, 1870; Lewis F. Nicklace, Dec. 23, 1872; 
Francis M. Anderson, Nov. 7, 1873; Lilburn W. Slocum, Nov. 9, 1874; 
Milton Dunn, June 11, 1875; Pvobert Blackley, Nov. 29, 1875; Newton 
M. Miller, March 17, 1880; George Lutz, Aug. 1, 1884; Peter W. Shick, 
Aug. 26, 1885; James M. Richardson, Aug. 27, 1886; John Dudley, July 
10, 1889. 

Mendota. — Established Sept. 25, 1869. Postmaster appointed: William 
K. Hayes, Sept. 25, 1869. Name changed to Parsons Dec. 9, 1870. 

Neola. — Established Oct. 12, 1868. Postmasters appointed: AYilliam 
J. Conner, Oct. 12, 1868; David C. Lowe, March 28, 1870. Name changed 
to Labette July 5, 1870. 

Oswego. — Established Oct. 4, 1866. Postmasters appointed: Nelson S. 
Carr, October 4, 1866; John Q. Cowell, May 7, 1868; John D. Coulter, 
March 29, 1869; Abel W. Pickering, Dec. 12, 1870; Hiram P. Newlon, 
April 13, 1871; Littleton S. Crum, April 13, 1876; John M. Landis, De- 
cember 2, 1886, not confirmed, but again appointed March 7, 1887; Frank 
D. Allen, Aug. 2, 1889. 

Parsons. — Name changed from Mendota Dec. 9, 1870. Postmasters 
appointed: Wm. K. Hayes, Dec. 9, 1870; Samuel O. Fletcher, March 22, 
1878; Frank W. Frye, Aug. 7, 1885; Harry H. Lusk, April 23, 1889. 

Ripon. — Established January 12, 1870. Postmasters appointed: Carl- 
ton B. Pratt. Jan. 12, 1870; Mrs. Almira L. Pratt, April 3, 1872; Thomas 
H. Bruner, April 13, 1874; Thomas Greenup, Oct. 31, 1877. Discontin- 
ued Dec. 15, 1884. Reestablished May 6, 1886. Postmasters appointed: 
Thomas Greenup, May 6, 1886; John Triplett, Jan. 10, 1887. Discon- 
tinued Jan. 9, 1891. 

Stover. — Established Oct. 9, 1883. Postmaster appointed: Henry M. 
Debolt, Oct. 9, 1883. Name changed to Debolt July 16, 1884. Post- 
master appointed: Henry M. Debolt, July 16, 1884. Name changed to 



276 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



Stover Jan. 28, 1886. Postmasters appointed: Clark M. Monroe, Jan. 28, 
1886; Rnfus T. Monroe, April 17, 1888; Henry M. Debolt, April 16, 1889. 

Sylvan Dale. — Established March 29, 1876. Postmaster appointed : 
Geo. S. Anderson, March 29, 1876. Discontinued Jan. 21, 1878. 

SnoiD Hill. — Established Jan. 13, 1879. Postmasters appointed: Wm. 
Geyer, Jan. 13, 1879; William B. Roberts, July 12, 1880; James Cool, 
April 5, 188-1. Discontinued July 16, 1884. 

Timher iTzY?.— Established Dec. 22, 1869. Postmasters appointed: 
Francis Labadie, Dec. 22, 1869; Winfield S. Gotzenbaum, June 26, 1870; 
C. L. Boutillier, March 31, 1S71; William J. Boutillier, Dec. 13, 1876; 
John T. Weakley, May 8, 1879. Discontinued Nov. 17, 1879. 

Trenton. — Established Jan. 30, 1872. Postmasters appointed: John 
W. Hall, Jan. 30, 1872; James M. Arthur, Feb. 25, 1874. Discontinued 
May 10, 1875. 

Valeda. — Name changed from Deerton Sept. 3, 1886. Postmasters 
appointed: Charles M. Keeler, Sept. 3, 1886; William Blackford, Nov. 
11, 1886; John G. Willey, March 26, 1889. 

Wilsonton. — Established Sept. 9, 1887. Postmasters appointed: John 
J. Melick, Sept. 9, 1887; Survilda A. Modlin, Sept. 18, 1888; Shelby W. 
Bonebraker, Dec. 5, 1888; Morris T. Baker, Aug. 10, 1889; Andrew R. 
Werning, Feb, 18, 1890; John M. Gordon, March 28, 1891. 



THE PRESS. 



For some time after the settlement of the eoimty commenced, the set- 
tlers had to depend on verbal and written communications for the trans- 
mission of local news. The first paper to be published in this part of 
the State was the Neosho Valley Eagle, the first issue of which is dated 
May 2, 1868 — just a month before the first publication appeared in La- 
bette county. While the Eagle was published at Jacksonville, in Neosho 
county, it was issued from an office only a few feet north of the county 
line, and was regarded by the settlers in this county almost as their own 
paper. B. K, Land was editor and publisher, and until the establish- 
ment of the Register his paper was considered the official paper of this 
county, and was very generally patronized by our citizens. 

PAPERS PUBLISHED AT OSAVEGO. 

THE OSWEGO REGISTER 

Was the first paper to be published in Labette county. The town com- 
pany arranged with E. R. Trask, of Emporia, to bring a press and estab- 
lish a paper at this point, and guaranteed him 300 paid subscribers, office 
rent for one year, and a building lot. The first issue of the paper ap- 
peared June 5, 1868. Trask continued to publish the paper until June 4, 
1869, when he sold out to C. C. Clover and F. B. McGill, who thereafter 
published it until December 30, 1870, when McGill sold his interest to 
Clover, but continued as editor until June 1, 1871. About August 19, 
1871, John Shorten took charge of the paper as editor and publisher, 
although there were associated with him in its ownership, and probably 
in its management, some who had been longer residents of the county. 
December 27, 1871, Shorten retired from the control of the Register, and 
B. W. Perkins took charge as editor. On May 21, 1872, E. R. Trask 
became joint owner with Perkins in the paper, and together they pub- 
lished it until May 1, 1873, when R. J. Alexander and J. C. Smith be- 
came the owners and publishers, and so continued until the 17th day of 
the month, when its issuance ceased, and no paper was issued until Oc- 
tober 3, 1873, when J. R. Wilson became editor, with L. S. Crum as pub- 
lisher. This arrangement continued until about the last of January, 1874, 
when W. P. Bishop succeeded Mr. Wilson as editor, and L. S. Crum con- 
tinued as business manager. The last issue under this management was 
on November 27, 1874. E. R. Trask succeeded Bishop, and for some 

(277) 



278 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

time thereafter E. R. Trask aud H. P. Newlon had control of the paper. 
About the last of February, 1875, they arranged for its sale to F. B. Mc- 
Gill, and on March 12, 1875, appeared the last issue of the Register ; and 
from henceforth it became incorporated into the outfit of the Oswego 
Independent. 

The First Daily.— On May 13, 1869, Trask issued a little sheet 
which he styled the ''Oswego Daily Register,'''' aud which was marked 
"Vol. 1, No. 1." This was filled with matter relating to Oswego and 
Labette county, and was intended simply as an advertising medium. 
No. 2 of this "daily" never made its appearance. About September 10, 
1871, Shorten started the Oswego Daily Register, which was the first 
daily paper published in this part of the State. He thought to make it a 
success by supplying the neighboring towns with a daily paper the same 
day of publication, and as soon as the issue was out a messenger started 
with a bundle of them to Chetopa and other points. This daily was 
short lived, only about forty issues appearing, and it finally closed No- 
vember 15. OSWEGO INDEPENDENT. 

W. J. Lea had been one of the publishers of the Independent at Co- 
lumbus for some time prior to its removal to Oswego. F. B. McGill, hav- 
ing no connection with any paper at that time, arranged for the purchase 
of a half-interest in the paper, the other half being retained by W. J. 
Lea, and they two moved it to Oswego, and on June 15, 1873, the Oswego 
Independent first made its appearance. Lea was one of the publishers 
up to November 23, 1872, when he sold his interest to F. B. McGill, who 
thereafter was editor and proprietor up to September 5, 1874, when J. 
W. Monfort became a joint owner and publisher, and continued as such 
up to June 10, 1875, when McGill again assumed exclusive ownership 
and control, and continued the editor and publisher until his death, on 
August 18, 1879. J. S. Waters, who had done some editorial work for 
Mr. McGill prior to his death, while he was unable to do the work him- 
self, succeeded Mr. McGill as editor, and continued as sole responsible 
editor to October 8, 1881, at which time the name of J. E. Bryan appears 
with that of J. S. Waters as editors. Mr. Bryan had, however, for some 
time before this done more or less editorial work. Waters and Bryan 
were joint editors up to April 29, 1883, when Mr. Waters retired, and 
Mr. Bryan became sole editor, aud continued to act as such up to Novem- 
ber 27, 1885. At that time Nelson Case became editor. Mr. Bryan's 
name continued to appear as one of the editors up to September 3, 1886, 
but he did very little work after Mr. Case took charge. Mr. Case con- 
tinued to edit the paper to March 1, 1889. Since that time Mrs. McGill 
and her son W. F. McGill have been the editors. Of course the local 



THE PRESS. 279 



work has been doue by many different parties. W. F. Thrall was local 
editor for some time, and the McGill children have for many years done 
a large part of the local work. Mrs. Mary A. McGill has been the pub- 
lisher and business manager ever since the death of her husband. It 
will thus be seen that the Independent has been under the control of the 
McGill family from its start on June 15, 1872, up to the present. 

The Daily Independext. — On Wednesday, October 5, 1881, the first 
issue of the Oswego Daily Independent appeared, with J. S. Waters and 
J. E. Bryan as editors. Mr. Bryan had for some time been doing more 
or less editorial work on the Independent, but not until the commencement 
of the daily did he appear as associate editor. Mrs. McGill continued to 
publish the daily until January 25, 1883, when its publication ceased. 
It may fairly be stated that the daily was not started nor its publication 
continued with the idea on the part of the publishers or the editors that 
the best interest of all concerned required the publication of a daily in 
this place; but the Oswego Republican being at that time opposing a 
part of the Republican ticket, it was thought by some of the political 
managers that the oldest Republican paper in the place, and the one 
recognized as the most reliably Republican, should issue a daily to meet 
the opposition of the Daily Repuhlican. It was under these circum- 
stances that the Daily Independent was started and maintained as long 
as it was, and its publication discontinued only after its owner had made 
it evident that Oswego was not a large enough place to justify the pub- 
lication of a first-class daily paper. 

THE OSWEGO DEMOCRAT. 

In the spring of 1870 M. V. B. Bennett came to Oswego from Iowa, 
bringing with him material for a newspaper office, from which he soon 
issued the Oswego Democrat, which he continued to publish until No- 
vember 27, 1870, when he moved the establishment to Independence, 
from which place he continued to issue the paper. 

OSWEGO ENTERPRISE. 

On September 27, 1878, Volney Moon, of Webb City, issued the first 
number of the Oswego Enterprise, which he published weekly until No- 
vember 20 of the same year, when, claiming that he failed to get a suffi- 
cient support to justify its continuance, he sold the establishment to J. F. 
McDowell, who moved it to Baxter Springs. 

THE LABETTE COUNTY DEMOCRAT. 

This paper was founded October 16, 1879, by George S. King, D. S. 
Capell, and Frank W. Frye. Mr. King did the main part of the editorial 
work, Mr. Frye the local work, and Mr. Capell had charge of the job 
office. On May 3i), 1880, Mr. Capell sold his interest to his partners and 



280 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

retired from the firm. Messrs, King and Frye continued together until 
February 11, 1881, when Mr. Frye sold his interest in the paper to Mr. 
King, who was its editor and publisher until December, 1882, when G. F. 
King became editor — his father, however, remaining publisher. This 
arrangement continued until July 1, 1883, when the paper was purchased 
by J. M. Landis and A. D. Carpenter, who continued in charge until 
March 13, 1884, when Mr. Carpenter sold his interest to Mr. Landis. On 
September 13, 1887, C. E. Hughey and H. A. Harley leased the office, 
and continued in its management until the first week of December, when 
Mr. Landis again assumed control, and has ever since been the editor 
and publisher. However, with the close of 1892 the paper, so vt is an- 
nounced, passes under the control of J. D. H. Reed. 

THE labettj: county statesman. 
On August 29, 1889, the first number of this paper was issued from its 
Oswego office as the successor of the Chetopa Statesman, which for four 
years preceding had been published at Chetopa. Nelson Abbott, with 
his wife a part of the time and his son a part of the time associated with 
him, was the editor and also the publisher of this paper from its first 
issue until its publication ceased at his death, which took place January 
20, 1892. The last issue of the paper under Mr. Abbott's management 
appeared January 8, 1892, although one or two small sheets subsecpiently 
appeared during his sickness explaining the cause of the paper failing to 
issue. In March, 1892, R. B. Claiborne purchased the office from Mrs. 
Abbott and renewed the publication of the Statesman, the first number 
under his management being on March 10, 1892. When the Times sus- 
pended and passed under the control of the Democrat, Mr. Claiborne 
purchased the right to use its name, and on July 14, 1892, the name of 
the paper was changed to the Times- Statesman. 

THE AMERICAN CRANK 

Is published by W. W. Whetstone, at Oswego. The first number ap- 
peared November 18, 1892. Harry Mills is its editor. 

THE OSWEGO REPUBLICAN. 

About Aug. 1, 1881, a sandy-complexioned, medium-sized man, named 
H. H. Brooks, whose speech at once gave token of his English origin, 
made his appearance upon the streets of Oswego, hailing at that time 
from some point in Texas. It was not long after until the material for a 
printing establishment appeared at the depot, and on Monday, August 8, 
1881, No. 1 of the Oswego Daily Mepublican was scattered among the 
reading public. On Thursday of that week appeared the Weekly Repub- 
lican, and from that time on both the daily and weekly llepuhlican made 
their regular appearance. Upon March 7, 1883, the daily ceased, but the 



THE PRESS. 281 



weekly continued until the close of 1886, being at that time changed into 
the Bee. I. W. Patrick, who was a joint owner with Brooks from the 
start, did not appear as one of the editors or publishers until Sept. 30, 

1881. Brooks and Patrick continued as joint owners until August 3, 

1882, v/heu Brooks sold his interest to Patrick, aud retired. Patrick con- 
tinued to run the paper until April 23, 1885, when it was sold to C. A. 
Wilkin and Jess Brockway. In the fall of 1884 J. M. Hutton became 
associate editor, and in Patrick's absence as Indian agent did all the 
work on the paper. Wilkin and Brockway as editors, and F. G. Moore 
as publisher, ran the paper until August 27, 1885, when they sold to Abe 
Steinbarger, who, from September 1st to the close of 1886, had complete 
control as editor and publisher, when its publication ceased under the 
above title. -^u^ qswego bee. 

On January 1, 1887, the first number of the Bee appeared as the suc- 
cessor of the Republican, It was run by Abe Steinbarger as a weekly, 
on very much the same plan as he had theretofore run the Republican, 
up to October 6, 1888, when he sold to R. W. Wright and J. H. Macon, 
who conducted it until January 26, 1889, when it passed into the hands 
of a publishing company with Jess Brockway as editor, under which 
management it continued until May, 1889, when its publication ceased. 

The Daily Bee made its appearance March 7, 1887, and continued 
until September, 1888. 

THE OSAVEGO COUKANT 

Was published from the old office where the Bee had been gotten out, 
aud was considered a successor of that paper. Its first issue was dated 
May 25, 1889, and it continued to appear until February 27, 1891, when 
k,s subscription list and good-will were sold to the Independent. It was 
started by S. C. Steinbarger aud A. L. Utterback ; December 14, 1889, 
Mr. Utterback retired, and the paper was continued to its close by Mr. 
Steinbarger. r^^^ osavego times 

Was started by S. C. Steinbarger, June 13, 1891, and was conducted 
under the same management until July 9, 1892, when its subscription list 
and good- will were sold to the Labette County Democrat, and the Times 
was discontinued. Mr. Land is sold Mr. Claiborne the right to use the 
name of the suspended paper in connection with that of the Statesman. 

LABETTE COUNTY BULLETIN. 

In 1877 Parnell & Houck started this paper as an advertising medium. 
Its publication continued for several months. 

BEAL ESTATE EXPRESS. 

In July, 1885, C. R. Waters, a real-estate agent at Oswego, issued a 
sheet with this title, through which to let the people know what he was 
doing in the real-estate business. 



282 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



THE DAILY INSTITUTE 

Was a sheet edited and published in Oswego by O. V. Hays and S. A. 
Kendall during the session of the institute in August, 1881. It was de- 
voted mainly to matters connected with the institute. 

THE LABETTE COUNTY SCHOOL .JOURNAL 

Is a monthly journal published at Oswego by J. M. Landis, with Mrs. 
Lucy Best as editor. The first number was issued in October, 1893. It 
is confined to educational interests. 

THE GOLDEN ROD 

Is an irregular publication, conducted by Dr. W. S. Newlon as an adver- 
tising medium, and also a vehicle through which he conveys to the public 
much of his general information. 

CHETOPA PAPERS. 

THE CHETOPA ADVANCE. 

Col. John W. Horner and A. S. Cory brought to Chetopa from Bald- 
win City, Douglas county, a printing-press and outfit, in December, 1868, 
and the first issue of the second paper in the county appeared under the 
above designation, January 6, 1869. J. W. Horner was editor, and 
Horner & Cory were publishers. From the first, J. M. Cavaness was 
foreman of the office. On the last day of May following Mr. Cory re- 
tired from the paper, leaving Colonel Horner as sole owner and editor, 
which he continued to be until the first of January, 1870, when he as- 
sociated with him S. A. Fitch in the management and editorship of the 
paper. At this time the name of the paper was changed to that of 

THE SOUTHERN KANSAS ADVANCE. 

The last of July, 1870, Mr. Fitch retired, leaving Mr. Horner again as 
sole owner. On July 1, 1872, James M. Cavaness became the owner of 
a half-interest in the paper, and its business manager. Mr. Horner sold 
his half-interest on February 37, 1873, to L. J. Van Landingham, and 
the paper was then conducted by Cavaness & Van Landingham. August 
37, 1874, Nixon Elliott bought from Mr. Van Landingham his half- 
interest, and became the business manager, with Mr. Cavaness as editor. 
Mr. Cavaness, by the purchase of Mr. Elliott's interest, became the sole 
owner of the paper on February 35, 187.5. The name of the paper was 
on April 4, 1878, changed back to the 

CHETOPA ADVANCE. 

On February 4, 1886, A. F. Sloane and W. A. Shanklin leased the 
office from Mr. Cavaness, and became its editors and publishers. With 
the opening of 1887 Mr. Shanklin retired, and Mr. Sloane continued as 
sole editor and publisher until June 30 of the same year, when R. M. 



THE PRESS. 283 



Roberts succeeded him in that position. On October 5, 1887, Mr. Rob- 
erts's engagements calling him elsewhere, A. G. Drake assumed the con- 
trol of the paper, in which position he continued for one year. On 
October 4, 1S88, Mr. Cavaness, having all the time retained the owner- 
ship, again took charge of the paper as its editor and publisher, and has 
continued in that relation ever since. 

CHETOPA HERALD. 

On March 4, 1876, this paper made its appearance under the editorial 
charge of J. H. Hibbits, the publication of which he continued until Sep- 
tember 1, 1877, when he announced its suspension on account of want of 
support. On December 15, 1877, Frank W. Frye, who had been em- 
ployed in the Herald office under its publication by Capt. Hibbits, resur- 
rected the paper in a much-diminished size, it being a five-column quarto, 
and being changed from a Republican to a Democratic sheet. It was 
continued under this management until February 16, 1878, when the 
office outfit was finally sold, and the paper ceased. 

THE KEYSTONE 

Was a temperance paper, edited and published by J. M. Cavaness and 
J. H. Hibbits. The first number appeared May 1, 1883. 

SOUTHERN KANSAS DEMOCRAT. 

The 1st of April, 1873, the first issue of this paper appeared, under the 
editorial management of F. D. Harkrider, in time to advocate the elec- 
tion of Geo. W. Fox for mayor. Its publication was continued until Sep- 
tember, 1873, when the outfit was advertised by the sheriff to be sold on 
execution. ^^^ chetopa times 

Made its appearance in June, 1884, with R. F. Brown as editor. On 
January 33, 1885, its publication was suspended, arrangements having 
been made with the Advance to fill out its unexpired subscription list. 
chetopa democrat. 

Under the management of J. J. Rambo as editor and publisher, this 
paper was started March 16, 1888, ever since which time it has been con- 
tinued under the same management. 

CHETOPA STATESMAN. 

No. 1, volume 1 of this sheet appeared August 6, 1885, with Nelson 
Abbott and Mrs. R. M. Abbott editors and proprietors. At the close of 
its fourth volume the material of the office was removed to Oswego, and 
the Labette County Statesman appeared as its successor. 

SETTLERS' GUIDE. 

J. B. Cook, doing a large land business at Chetopa, aud desiring to ad- 
vertise the same, started a paper with the above name, which he issued 
(piarterly from 187.3 to 1880 inclusive. 



284 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



PARSONS PAPERS. 

THE ANTI-MONOPOLIST. 

On Jauiiary .5, 1871, the first issue of this paper appeared, purporting 
to be issued from Parsons, but being printed in fact at the Monitor 
office, in Fort Scott. Perry D. Martin was its editor and proprietor. 
After the issuance of a few numbers its publication was suspended, but 
it was again resurrected about the middle of the year, appearing at this 
time as issued at Osage Mission. But two issues, however, appeared from 
its new home; and a disagreement between Martin and his associates 
arising, Martin was forced to retire, and the paper was succeeded by the 
People's Advocate. rpjjj, parsons sun 

Shed its light through No. 1, volume 1, on June 17, 1871, M. W. Rey- 
nolds and Leslie J. Perry editors and proprietors. It was started as an 
eight-column, all home print. On August 12th of this year Mr. Perry 
sold his interest to Angell Matthewsou, who continued with Reynolds as 
publisher until February 13, 1873, when he sold to G. C. West, from 
which time Reynolds & West conducted the paper until November, 1872, 
at which time West retired as associate editor, and was succeeded by 
Harry L. Gosling. In May, 1874, Reynolds, having theretofore been 
appointed Receiver of the U. S. Land Office, retired from the manage- 
ment of the Siui, and G. C. West assumed full control, which he contin- 
ued until April, 1875, when the Sun again passed under the control of 
Reynolds. Gifford & Winter, who up to about this time had been pub- 
lishing the Parsons Surprise, soon thereafter consolidated it with the 
Su?i, the management of which was now under the control of Reynolds, 
Gifford & Winter, who continued its publication until November 11, 1876, 
when its publication as a weekly was discontinued, appearing occasion- 
ally thereafter, more as an advertising medium than anything else. On 
May 12, 1877, its publication was renewed by Reynolds, and by him con- 
tinued until December 14, 1878, when the entire outfit was sold to H. H. 
Lusk, who has continued its publication ever since. 

Daily Sun. — On the morning of September 5, 1880, the Daily Su?i 
made its appearance, and has continued regularly to appear since that 
time as the only morning daily paper published in the county, with the 
exception of once or twice when one of the other papers appeared as a 
morning issue for a short time. 

THE western enterprise 

Was conducted at Parsons by T. C. Cory and V. J. Knapp. It was 
started September, 1872, and published monthly thereafter until Janu- 
ary, 1873. It was a five-column, eight-page paper, nicely gotten up, 
carefully edited, with a large amount of reading matter intended to give 



THE PRESS. 285 



a good idea of the great West to all persons seeking information in re- 
spect thereto. parsons weekly herald. 

On Thursday, May 22, 1873, this paper was started by O. Edwards, 
A. W. Gifford, and A. C. Covell, and its publication continued for some- 
thing less than one year, when it failed for want of support. 

PARSONS ECLIPSE. 

About the first of April, 1874, the Parsons ^YeeM^^ Herald was sold on 
chattel mortgage and bought by J. B. Lamb, with which outfit the Par- 
sons Eclipse was started by J. B. Lamb and J. B. Taylor as editors and 
proprietors. The first number appeared April 9, 1874. On March 29, 
1877, at the end of the third vokmie, Taylor withdrew, from w'hich time 
its publication was regularly conducted by J. B. Lamb & Sous until the 
death of Dr. Lamb, December 36, 1890, since which time his sons have 
conducted it. 

The Daily Eclipse was started May 9, 1881, and is farther spoken 
of under the head of dailies. 

THE SURPRISE. 

About the middle of April, 1873, A. W. Gifford started the Surprise, 
which suspended after a few weeks' existence, and the force united with 
the Herald outfit. The latter having finished its career about the last of 
February, 1874, the Surprise was resurrected, being published by A. W. 
Gifford and W. L. Winter, and continued until January 36, 1875, when 
it surrendered to the inevitable. 

THE PARSONS SUNDAY LEADER 

Was started in October, 1883, by G. F. Kimball as editor and proprietor ; 
it continued but a short time. 

SOUTHEASTERN KANSAS ADVERTISER. 

In July, 1879, Copeland & Brewster, of Parsons, issued a real-estate 
sheet under the above title. 

THE JOURNAL. 

The Daily Journal having been discontinued in January, H. C. Sour- 
beer, on May 1, 1891, commenced the publication of the Journal as a 
weekly, which was continued by him until November 13, 1891, when it 
was merged into the Mills's Weekly World, and its publication under the 
title of the Journal ceased. 

THE PARSONS PALLADIUM. 

Frank W. Frye and Will W. Frye were the founders of this paper, the 
first issue of which appeared February 34, 1883. From August, 1883, to 
February, 1885, E. S. Stevens had charge of the job department of the 
paper. From February to October, 1886, George S. King had charge of 
the editorial department. Will W. Frye then did the editorial work for 



286 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

some time. On June 1, 1889, Frank W. Frye purchased the interest of 
his brother in the establishment, since which time he has been sole editor 
and proprietor. the clakion 

Was started in the summer of 1888, by Sheward & Gregg. After a few 
months Mr. Gregg sold his interest, and L. S. Sheward became the sole 
editor and proprietor. In January following, A. H. Tyler became editor, 
in which position he continued until the close of the year, at which time 
Mr. Sheward again became its editor as well as publisher. Its publica- 
tion was continued, with few interruptions, until near the close of 1890, 
when it altogether ceased. 

settlers' advocate. 
About the first of August, 1872, Bancroft & Cory issued the first num- 
ber of the Settlers' Advocate, at Parsons, and continued the publication 
as a monthly until the spring of 1873, when they issued a weekly edition. 

THE NEOSHO VALLEY LAND GUIDE. 

In September, 1871, Walker & Thomas, real-estate agents at Parsons, 
started the publication of a real-estate paper under the above title, to 
advertise their land business, the publication of which continued for some 
two or three years. parsons advocate. 

Matthewson & Biggs issued this paper as a medium for advertising 
their real-estate and loan business, from December 1, 1884. 

KANSAS BANNER. 

This paper was started as au organ to enable religious and educational 
associations to meet the public. It was more especially under the direc- 
tion of the Y. M. C. A. Each organization was expected to prepare the 
material ready for publication that it desired to have appear ; thereby 
little editorial work was required. The first issue was dated July 15, 
1886, and but six monthly numbers were issued. 

A WORD FOR YOU 

Was a publication of a religious character, started in 1891 by Rev. P. M. 
Griifin. After a few issues other parties became associated with him, 
and the name of the paper was changed to that of 

THE HOME VISITOR. 

Under this designation it lasted till the summer of 1892, when it 
ceased for want of support. 

MILLS'S WEEKLY WORLD 

Was removed from Altamont to Parsons in the middle of November, 
1891, and on the 17th of that month the first issue of the paper from the 
Parsons office appeared ; it was conducted by H. C. Sourbeer and Harry 
Mills. At the end of about three mouths Mr. Mills's connection with it 
terminated, since w'hich time it has been conducted by Mr. Sourbeer. 



THE PRESS. 287 



KANSAS PROGRESS. 

From June to August, 1883, H. C. Sourbeer published this paper almost 
exclusively as an advertising medium. The profits were supposed to be 
derived from advertisiug, though a little revenue came in through sub- 
scriptions. KANSAS STATE ALLIANCE. 

This paper was published at Parsons; it was started July 1, 1890, and, 
with some interruptions, continued till near the close of 1891. W. H. 
Utley was its business manager at the start, but he sold out in the course 
of a few months, and it was conducted by several members of the County 
Alliance. George Campbell was its first editor ; afterwards H. A. White 
edited it for a time ; then A. H. McCormick, and still later other parties. 

THE ARBITRATOR. 

J. M. Jones, James Tisdale, and perhaps others, were members of the 
firm of Jones & Co., who were the publishers of this paper. M. Byrne 
was secured as its editor. It was started in the summer of 1886, and its 
publication was continued for perhaps two months, when the arrest of its 
editor and publishers on the charge of criminal libel forced it to suspend. 
A part of the defendants escaped punishment on the ground that the evi- 
dence did not directly connect them with the publication of the libelous 
matter. -Pjjg business college .journal 

Was started in October, 1892, by C. E. Ball, as an irregular publication 
tlirough which he could advertise his business. 

THE PARSONS DAILIES. 
the daily record. 
This was the first daily paper published in Parsons, and was started in 
the fall of 1876, in September or October, by J. P. Coffin. It was a very 
diminutive sheet, but served as a means of giving the local news. Mr. 
Coffin continued its publication till May .5, 1877, when he suspended for 
the purpose of becoming traveling agent for the Sun. 

THE DAILY OUTLOOK. 

On August 20, 1877, the first number of this sheet appeared as the suc- 
cessor of the Daily Record, and, as the latter had been, under the man- 
agement of J. P. Coffin. On January 31, 1878, he wrote his valedictory, 
the substance of which was, "Died for want of support." 

THE INFANT WONDER 

Was started December 24, 1878, by McCarter Brothers, who conducted it 
as a daily until August 12, 1879, from which time to September 4 it 
appeared as a tri-weekly, on which last date it again resumed its daily 
issue, and continued as such till the last of April, 1880. 



288 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



THE DAILY KEPUBLICAN. 

Frank H. McCarter, proprietor of the Infant Wonder^ which had just 
suspended publicatiou, associated himself with William Higgins in the 
publication of the Republican. The first issue appeared on May 10, 1880, 
with William Higgins editor. On March 22, 1881, Mr. Higgins retired 
from the paper and Mr. McCarter assumed full control. It was merged 
in the Eclipse, and its publication suspended May 9, 1881. 

THE DAILY ECLIPSE 

Was started May 9, 1881, by J. B. Lamb and F. H. McCarter, the latter 
doing most of the work thereon for some time. The management of the 
daily was entirely separate from that of the weekly Eclipse for some 
months. For a number of years it has been conducted by the Lambs 
alone, and has been a well-established daily, with a liberal support. 

THE DAILY WONDER, 

As a continuation of the Infant Wonder, was resurrected about Novem- 
ber, 1881, by F. H. McCarter and E. R. Marvin, after the former had 
become disconnected with the Eclipse. In January, 1882, E. C. Burnett 
bought out Mr. Marvin, and in connection with Mr. McCarter continued 
to conduct the Wonder till September of that year, when its publication 
was again suspended. 

THE DAILY INDEPENDENT 

Was started in Parsons in October, 1882, by E. C. Burnett, who contin- 
ued its publication till January, 1883. 

THE DAILY SUN 

Was started September 5, 1880, and is spoken of in connection with the 
Weekly Sun. rj.^^ evening staii 

Was first seen a little before sunset on Wednesday, April 6, 1881. It 
was published by M. W. Reynolds and George Higgins for gratuitous 
distribution. On September 2, 1881, Mr. Higgins retired, and removed 
to Paola to engage in the newspaper business at that place. The Star 
continued to give out more or less light till about the time of the fall 
election in 1881. the daily jouknal. 

W. H. Martin was the founder of this paper, and conducted it from 
November 10, 1889, to September 10, 1890, when he sold the plant to 
H. C, Sourbeer & Son, who continued its publication until January 15, 
1891, at which time it was discontinued. 

THE DAILY ELI 

Was started in the fall of 1890, and continued to appear for several 
months — perhaps nearly a year. It was under the same general man- 
agement as the State Alliance. A. J. Miller was its editor a part, and 
perhaps all of the time it ran. 



7 HE PRESS. 289 



ALTAMONT PAPERS. 

ALTAMONT TIMES. 

On or about January 17, 1884, the first number of this paper made its 

appearance under the management of Gastin and Milton Fuller, and 

continued under their charge until about the 1st of June, when the mate- 
rial was purchased by C. Len. Albin. 

ALTAMONT SENTINEL. 

C. Len. Albin, having purchased the outfit of the Times, started the 
Sentinel, the first number of which appeared July 4, 1884, and was con- 
tinued by him until July 10, 1885, when he sold the paper to H. C. 
Blanchard. B. F. Godfrey was associated with Albin in the editorship 
of the Sentinel for a short time before Albin sold to Blanchard. Blanch- 
ard conducted the paper alone from the time of his purchase until Sep- 
tember 11 of that year, when he sold one-half interest therein to Frank 
VVilkins, from which time Blanchard & Wllkins published it until Janu- 
ary 15, 1886, when Blanchard sold his interest therein to Harry Mills; 
and on the 29th of the same month Mills also bought Wilkins's interest, 
and became sole editor and proprietor. On January 4, 1886, C. S. New- 
Ion having bought a half-interest, the paper appeared under the manage- 
ment of Mills & Newlon. On March 14, 1886, Mr. Mills sold his interest 
to Dr. Newlon, and Mrs. Lizzie Newlon became editor and publisher, 
which she continued till January 5, 1889, when she was succeeded in the 
editorial chair by W. H. Conner. On October 23, 1889, W. J. Lough 
took charge as editor and publisher, and conducted the paper till July 16, 
1890, when its publication ceased. 

ALTAMONT NEW^S. 

After C. Len. Albin sold his interest in the Sentinel, he associated 
with him W. T. Pickett, and they two purchased a printing-office outfit, 
and on September 11, 1885, started the Altamont Neics, which was a 
five-column quarto. After two issues of the paper Albin sold his interest 
therein to Mr. Pickett, who at once made arrangement for its removal to 
Mound Valley. 

MILLS's WEEKLY WORLD. 

About the first of December, 1888, Harry Mills started a small sheet 
with the above title, at Cherry vale, Kansas. The first week in March, 
1889, he removed the plant to Altamont, from which place he issued it 
from that time until the middle of November, 1891, when he sold an in- 
terest therein to H. C. Sourbeer, who removed the plant to Parsons, from 
which place it has since been issued. 

-19 



290 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

EDNA PAPERS. 

THE EDNA ENTERPRISE. 

December 8, 1886, the first number of this paper appeared, with J. J. 
Fields as editor and Harry Mills as publisher. It was a small six-column 
folio. The publication continued some five or six weeks, when the good- 
will of the office was sold to C. M. Brown, of the Mound Valley News. 

THE EDNA ERA 

Succeeded the Enterprise. It was started by C. M. Brown, January 19, 
1887. He moved the Mound Valley News office to Edna, where he pub- 
lished the Era about three months, when it ceased, and Edna was again 
without a paper for a short time. 

THE EDNA ENTERPRISE. 

On April 15, 1887, J. D. McKeehen, as editor and proprietor, brought 
out No. 1 of the Edna Enterprise under his management, he having 
theretofore purchased the material of the old office. He continued its 
publication until September of that year. 

THE EDNA STAR. 

John Truby and W. A. Peffer jr. started the publication of this paper, 
the first number appearing October 28, 1887. The last of April, 1888, 
J. H. Morse became its editor, and continued its publication until the 
close of June of that year. 

THE EDNA INDEPENDENT 

Was started December 14, 1889, by G. W. Liever and A. C. Veach. In 
June, 1890, Mr. Liever sold his interest to Mr. Veach, since which time 
the latter has conducted it alone. 

MOUND VALLEY PAPERS. 

MOUND VALLEY TIMES. 

The first paper credited to Mound Valley was designated The Times, 
and was started December 16, 1881. It was printed by Brooks & Patrick, 
at the EejyuMican office, in Oswego, and appeared as under the editorship 
of George Campbell. However, all the paper except a few local items 
was the same as the Oswego Republican. This arrangement was unsatis- 
factory to the citizens of Mound Valley, and the paper ran only a few 
weeks. mound valley herald. 

The first issue of the Herald appeared April 6, 1882, with George 
Campbell as editor and proprietor. Mr. Campbell conducted it until the 
fall of that year, when he sold to C. L. Albin, who continued to edit and 
publish it until May 1, 1884, when it came under the control of W. F. 
Thrall, who has since then been its editor and publisher. 



THE PRESS. 291 



MOUND VALLEY NEWS. 

About the first of October, 1885, L. C. Wilmoth and W. C. Pickett 
became the joint owners of the office material from which the Altamont 
News had been printed. This they removed to Mound Valley, and com- 
menced the publication of the Neics at that point. In the spring of 1886 
a company of several of the business men of Mound Valley was formed, 
under the title of "The Mound Valley News Company," for the purpose 
of publishing this paper. About June 1, 1886, C. M. Brown and T. 
Rowen jr. became owners of the paper, and with L. C. Wilmoth as edi- 
tor conducted it until September 9th, when Mr. Rowen retired and Mr. 
Brown became editor and proprietor, continuing Mr. Wilmoth as associate 
editor. The publication of the paper was suspended about the middle of 
January, 1887. united ladoe. 

The first number of this paper was dated February 19, 1887. It was, 
however, issued ahead of its date. It purported to be published by the 
Farmers' and Laborers' Cooperative Union, and edited by E. H. Barnhart. 
In June, 1887, C. L. Albin appeared as editor. During August and Sep- 
tember its publication was suspended, but was resumed again in October, 
with G. S. Worthington editor. Its publication was continued until the 
early part of 1888. During all of its existence George Campbell was its 
principal, if not entire owner, and while he does not appear as editor, 
yet the paper was principally conducted by him. 

LABETTE. 

the LABETTE SENTINEL. 

On Thursday, September 8, 1870, a well-filled seven-column paper un- 
der the above title appeared from the printing-office just started at the 
town of Labette, with J. S. Waters as editor and proprietor. On Octo- 
ber 13th Mr. Waters associated with him in the management of the 
paper, Thomas Irish. Mr. Waters having been elected County Attorney 
at the November election in 1870, he retired from the editorship of the 
Sentinel on November 24th, from which time it was conducted by Mr. 
Irish until sometime in March, 1871, when its publication ceased for a 
short time. About the first of April, however, it was revived by the 
Albin Brothers, who carried on its publication for some time, when it 
was given up by them as a losing venture. About May 10, 1872, Sheldon 
& Johnson attempted its resurrection, and tried to put it forth for some 
months, when it again became defunct. On the suspension of the Oswego 
Register, in May, 1873, Smith, one of the former proprietors of that paper, 
bought the Labette Sentinel material and moved it to Nevada, Mo., and 
there used it in starting a new paper at that point. 



292 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



WILSONTON. 

THE AVILSONTON JOURNAL 

Was started at Wilsouton, May 1, 1888, by Mrs. Ella B. Wilson, since 
which time she has continued to conduct it as editor and proprietor. It 
is published monthly. 

PAPERS PUBLISHED BY THE COLORED PEOPLE. 

KANSAS ADVOCATE. 

The first issue of this paper was dated at Parsons, September 1, 1881. 
It was a small eight-page paper, started by W. B. Avery, a colored min- 
ister, and was intended as a medium for furnishing the colored population 
with a line of reading-matter in which they would be specially interested, 
to be issued only monthly. But Mr. Brooks, of the Oswego Repuhlican, 
entered into an agreement with Mr. Avery for publishing his paper at 
the Republican office. It was very much enlarged in size, and issued 
weekly instead of monthly. While continuing under the editorship of 
Mr. Avery, the most of the material was the same as that which simulta- 
neously appeared in i\\%Weekly Republican. The colored people did not 
furnish a sufficient patronage to justify its continuance, and its publica- 
tion ceased after some three or four months. 

THE EYE-OPENER 

Was started by the colored people of the county as an avenue by which 
to make known to the public their views, wants, and intentions, and as a 
means of educating their young people in the duties of citizenship. It 
was issued from Parsons. The first number is dated July 9, 1892. E. M. 
Woods was editor and E. W. Dorsey business manager. But in a short 
time Mr. Dorsey withdrew, to become president of the Blade company. 
At the time this account closes the paper is under the control of Mr. 

Wood. THE BLADE. 

A little disagreement arising between the proprietors of the Eye-Opener, 
a division of interest seemed advisable to them, and on August 20, 1892, 
the Parsons Weekly Blade was started, with S. O. Clayton editor, E. W. 
Dorsey president, and Chas. A. Morris business manager; and at the time 
this account is written the paper is still appearing under the same man- 
agement. 



RELIGIOUS OEGAl^J-IZATIOXS. 



THE AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY. 

On January 11, 1869, a call signed by about twenty prominent citizens 
of Chetopa and Oswego was furnished for publication in the Advance 
and Register, for a meeting to be held on January 31st, for the purpose 
of organizing a Bible society. At that time quite a large number of the 
citizens of the county met at the office of Dr. W. S. Newlou, in Oswego, 
and adopted a constitution, and elected the following permanent officers 
of the society : Rev. T. H. Canfield, president; J. L. Taft, vice-president; 
W. M. Johnson, secretary ; Dr. C. M. Gilkey, treasurer ; and also a board 
of five directors. Adjourned to meet in Chetopa, on February 7th fol- 
lowing. 

At this time a meeting was held in Spaulding's Hall, at 3 o'clock p. m., 
at which a large congregation gathered. Addresses were made by Rev. 
T. H. Canfield, Rev. C. R. Rice, and others. A subscription of some- 
thing over $40 for the benefit of the society was taken up. This was 
the commencement of an organization which was kept up for a number 
of years, holding its meetings somewhat frequently, and doing very much 
toward furnishing the new communities with Bibles. After a few years, 
when the growth of several of the towns of the county had been such that 
each felt the need of separate organizations, the county society was dis- 
continued, and city organizations were formed. 

Y. M. C. A. 

OSWEGO ASSOCIATIOX. 

The following account of the organization of the Oswego Y^oung Men's 
Christian Association is taken from an address by Fred C. Wheeler, 
delivered at the second anniversary of the organization of the association : 

"On Saturday evening, December 8, 1883, in response to invitations 
that morning received through the postoffice from him, there were gath- 
ered at the home of Nelson Case, in Oswego, Rev. John Elliott, Rev. H. 
McBirney, Fred Lee, Chas. Carpenter, M. Chidester, M. E. Diehl, Thos. 
O'Halloran, W. F, Thorne, and F. C. \Yheeler. Mr. Case made a state- 
meut showing the need of such an organization especially adapted to 
reach young men, and proposed the organization of a Young Men's Chris- 
tian Association. All present concurred in the views expressed, and a 
committee was appointed to consider and report at same place on Decem- 
ber 12, to which time we adjourned. 

(293) 



294 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

"On December 12 Harry and Will Mitchell, Will Skilliug, Chas. Car- 
penter, Rev. H. McBiruey, Thos. O'Halloran, Mr. Case, and F. C. 
Wheeler, met as per adjournment. A draft of a constitution was pre- 
sented, and the matter of organization was definitely decided on. It was 
voted to adjourn to meet at the M. E. church, on Tuesday evening, Janu- 
ary 1, 1884, to complete the organization. On the evening of that date 
some six or eight met at the appointed place, adopted the uniform con- 
stitution provided by the national association, and organized by electing 
Nelson Case president, F. C. Wheeler vice-president, Chas. Carpenter 
secretary, and Harry Mitchell treasurer. The necessary committees were 
also appointed." 

During its earlier years the association did more aggressive work, per- 
haps, than it has since then, although it has always shown a fair degree 
of vitality. A Bible-training class was maintained for two or three years, 
and did very efficient work. The young men for some time had a liter- 
ary organization connected with the association. A boys' branch was or- 
ganized at the opening of the second year of the work, and in that alone 
enough work was done to justify the organization of the association. 
Some years ago an outfit was purchased for a gymnasium, and a room 
has been kept open ever since. A salaried general secretary was em- 
ployed a few months at one time, but with that exception the work has 
been done entirely by the home members. For the past few years the 
association has been somewhat intimately connected with the Library 
Association. Since its organization it has had the following presidents 
and secretaries: 1884-85 — President, Nelson Case; secretary, Charles T. 
Carpenter. 1886 — Charles T. Carpenter, president; Howard Merriam, 
secretary. 1887 — Howard Merriam and W. F. Thorne, presidents; F. G. 
Mitchell, secretary; 1888-89 — Nelson Case, president; W. G. Mitchell 
and W. A. Bibbitt, secretaries. 1890— A. B. Kegg, president; Ed. M. 
Baldwin, secretary. 1891 — W. W. Flora, president; H. H. Beard, secre- 
tary. 1892— W. W. Flora, president; Fred. W. Beymer and W. B. Co- 
valt, secretaries. The last-named president and secretary are now serv- 

^^^' PARSONS ASSOCIATION. 

The Parsons Y. M. C. A. was organized December 5, 1885, with C. F- 
Hodgmau president, Cyrus G. Emerson vice-president, W. H. Martin and 
Thomas Clark secretaries, and F. H. Foster treasurer. The following 
year it was incorporated, and the following officers elected : M. E. 
Crowell, president ; E. C. Read, vice-president ; A. H. Whitmarsh, sec- 
retary ; F. H. Foster, treasurer. A ladies' auxiliary was organized early 
in the history of the association, and rendered valuable aid in furnishing 
rooms and giving entertainments. The most of the time since its organ- 
ization the association has maintained a paid general secretary. The 
following persons have served in that capacity : Chas. L. Helmick was 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 295 

the first, and served from August, 1877, to February, 1889; James R. 
Smith succeeded him, and served to July, 1889 ; T. R. Breese, B. C. 

McQuesten, J. W. Shingley, W. Russell and Hopper have since then 

successively held the office. A reading-room, bath-rooms, as well as re- 
ception and parlor-rooms, have been provided, and much good work has 
been accomplished. 

^ CHETOPA ASSOCIATION. 

During the month of August, 1886, steps were taken looking toward 
the formation of an association at Chetopa, and on September 20, 1886, 
a number of the members of the Oswego and Parsons associations visited 
Chetopa and assisted in the formation of this organization. At that time 
the following officers were elected : President, W. A. Shanklin ; vice- 
president, W. H. Piukerton ; secretary, George Campbell ; treasurer, T. 
O. Breckenridge. For a few months in 1889 John G. Lear was employed 
as general secretary for this and the Oswego association, giving about 
half of his time to each. This is the only time that a salaried officer has 
been employed. W. S. Henry was president the second year of the or- 
ganization, and F. M. Smith the third year; J. P. Slaughter was the sec- 
ond secretary, and was succeeded by H. F. Stewart. The association 
has a part of the time kept open a reading-room and conducted various 
lines of meetings. 

Y. W. C. A. 

On January 2, 1886, at the Methodist church in Oswego, an organiza- 
tion of this association was effected. For a year past the association has 
been practically disorganized, although it still does some work in an un- 
official way. A training-class and a Bible class were conducted in the 
association for several years ; also a girls' Bible class. The association 
has had the following presidents : Mrs. Annetta Cook, Mrs. Mary E. Case, 
Miss Sarah Crane, Miss Blanche Case, Miss Eunice Crane. 

SUNDAY SCHOOLS. 

In giving an account of the work of the Sunday schools of the county 
I separate it from the account of the other church work, not because I 
consider them a separate institution from the church, properly speaking, 
but because, especially in the early work in the county, there were many 
union schools, connected with no church in particular, and also because 
the Sunday-school work is one of the most important and best developed 
departments of church work, and is entitled to special mention as such. 

I will first give an account of the schools which have been at least a 
part of the time classed as union, (although some of them might prop- 
erly be spoken of as denominational,) and will then mention the denomi- 
national schools, connecting those of each denomination wherever situated 



296 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

iu the county, iustead of classifying by localities. No one can realize 
more than I do the imperfect history which I here present of these 
schools, but all the information is given which I have been able to gather. 
It is regretted that parties who might have furnished more definite in- 
formation have failed to do so. One reason why this information is not 
accessible and has not been furnished, is that iu many instances no rec- 
ord whatever has been kept of the school work, and in many other cases 
records that were kept at the time have been misplaced or lost. Some of 
this information has been furnished me from people's memory, and of 
course contains more or less errors, but in the main, so far as it goes, 1 
think it is as reliable as could be expected. From it some one may be 
able to construct a more perfect account of this important department of 
work. 

UNION SUNDAY SCHOOLS. 

CHETOPA. 

The first Sunday school in the county was organized by the early set- 
tlers at Chetopa, before the war. In a letter referring to these early 
times Dr. Lisle says: "Mr. Bryan organized a Sunday school sometime 
in 1858, which was kept up most of the time until the Rebellion." The 
Mr. Bryan here referred to is Rev. J. E. Bryan, then a minister of the 
M. E. Church South, in charge of the work of the circuit including Che- 
topa, and in 1871 pastor of the M. E. Church of Oswego, and still more 
recently a practicing attorney in this county. This Sunday school was 
held in the school-house, an account of the building of which is given at 
page 186. 

After Chetopa began to resettle, at the close of the war, the first Sun- 
day school to be organized was iu the summer of 1867, in a small frame 
building standing on the southeast corner of First and Maple streets, 
sometimes called the "Cabinet Shop," but more generally designated 
"Bachelors' Hall." G. H. Hard was the superintendent of this school. 
Later, arrangements were made for holding the school in the Ephraim 
Doudna store building. The school was closed during the winter, and 
opened in the spring of 1868. James H. Crichton sr., father of the at- 
torney who has lived there so long, spent a part of the summers of 1867 
and 1868 at Chetopa, and assisted in superintending the school. The 
first Sunday in September, 1868, the school having previously been very 
poorly classified and organized, a reorganization was had, and Edward 
Johnson was elected superintendent, F. H. Mendenhall assistant, and 
D. J. Doolen secretary. Early in 1869 J. M. Cavaness was elected su- 
perintendent, and continued to serve until the organization of the denom- 
inational schools, in 1870. 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 297 



PAKSONS. 

The first Simclay school in Parsons was organized in April, IhTl, by 
the joint efforts of Rev. G. W. Pye and Rev. H. H. Cambern. It was 
started and for some time maintained as a union school. It had a hard 
time to maintain an existence. With no permanent place of meeting, 
driven from vacant store buildings, offices, and shops, as they were 
needed for other purposes, it finally found a somewhat permanent and 
comfortable home in Gary's Hall. T. C. Cory was its first superintend- 
ent. After a few months of service he resigned, and J. E. Wilkes 
succeeded him. In January, 1873, E. B. Stevens was elected superin- 
tendent; M. G. Brown was elected in 1873, and M. Wallace in 1874. 
During a part of this time some schools which had started as denomina- 
tional were merged with the union. On the organization of the denomi- 
national schools this school ceased. 

OSWEGO. 

The Sunday-school work in Oswego dates from the early spring of 
1867, when a Sunday school was organized in the log cabin owned and 
then occupied by Dr. J. F. Newlon. It stood at the northeast corner of 
block 26, ]ust south of where he afterwards made his home. William 
Herbaugh was elected superintendent. It was kept open only during 
the summer, and was reorganized the following spring. It met in such 
vacant houses as could be secured, holding scarcely more than two or 
three Sundays consecutively in any one place. In the fall of 1868, when 
the building was erected which was afterwards donated to the county for 
a court-house, the Sunday school found therein a somewhat permanent 
home. From this school the denominational schools were established as 
follow^s : The Methodist in 1868, the Congregational and Presbyterian in 
1870, and the Baptist in 1871. 

NEOSHO TOWNSHir. 

Concord District, No. 16. — The school-house in this district is now 
in North township, but when first built was in Neosho. In the summer 
of 1867 Mrs. Owens organized a Sunday school in their house on the 
northeast quarter of section 5, which was maintained during that sum- 
mer, and when the school-house was built a reorganization was had, 
locating it in that building, where it was continued for a number of 
years. 

New Hope District. No. 15. — In 1869 there was a log cabin about half 
a mile north of where Matthewsou now stands, known as the Sweet 
school-house. Rev. R. P. Bukey preached there frequently. In that 
house was started the first Sunday school in that part of the county. 
Wm. McDown was its superintendent. It was not long until the new 



298 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



school-house was built. A Sunday school was conducted in this district 
during the summer months for a number of years, commencing with 1869. 
It was generally conducted as a Methodist Episcopal school. W. D. 
Bevans superintended most of the time. W. T. Carter was superintend- 
ent at one time. Rev. J. A. Harvey is the present superintendent. 

Hopkins District, No. 63.—Fvom 1875 to 1882 a prosperous Sunday 
school was conducted in this district. W. D. Bevans was one of Its prin- 
cipal workers, and a part of the time its superintendent. 

Lone Elm District, No. ^i,— Sunday school has been started here oc- 
casionally, but has not been regularly maintained. 

ILard Scrabble District, No. 46\— The effort to maintain a Sunday 
school in this district was not so persistent as to meet with good success. 

NORTH TOAVNSHIP. 

TownsJiip Association.— In 1876 an association was formed in this 
township, but was not effective the following year, and the various 
schools In the township met and reorganized a township association on 
April 7, 1878, electing J. M. C. Reed president and S. L. Obenchain sec- 
retary. Since then the association has held annual meetings, sometimes 
more frequently. 

Woods District, No. i<9.— Organized in 1878. Superintendents: S. 
Stephenson, N. T. Chambers, T. J. Van Horn, F. A. Edwards. 

Spring Hill District, No. ^^.— Organized in 1874. Superintendents: 
Samuel Cherry, J. W. Scott, Messrs. Milligan, Wilson, Chambers, Millard. 

Heacock District No. ^^.— Organized in 1875. Mrs. Anna Heacock 
was superintendent for several years; afterward I. P. Merrill. 

Franklin District, No. ,55.— Organized May, 1870, and maintained 
during the summer months every year since. Superintendents : G. W. 

Goodman, J. Harlan, E. H. Taylor, Brandon, H. Mcintosh, E. H. 

Wells, S. L. Obenchain, T. J. Van Horn, and Robert Toles. 

Prairie Valley District, No. 31. — Organized in May, 1871, and main- 
tained since. Superintendents: Philip La Cornu, William Burdit, J. G. 
Duval, J. M. C. Reed, R. Brown, E. C. Barker, W. B. Truax, and J. N. 
Hardman. For two or three years two schools were maintained at this 
place — one a union and one a Methodist South ; one met in the forenoon 
and one in the afternoon. 

WALTON TOWNSHIP. 

Salem District, No. If.2. — School was organized in this district in 1871, 
and has been kept open every summer since. Alex. Abies was its first 
superintendent. James Venable and Amos Welch have been effective 
workers, and frequently have superintended. Charles Birt is now super- 
intendent. 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 299 

Bradford District, No. 39.— A school was organized id this district m 
the house of Merit MasoD, iu 1870, and has since been maintained nearly 
every year during the summer months. Among its superintendents have 
been J. C. Bradford, Frank J. Smith, and T. J. Rich. 

OSAGE TOWNSHIP. 

Mount Zion District, No. 36.— In the fall of 1867 the neighbors got 
together and built a log house on the northwest quarter of section 5, in 
township 33 of range 18, in which to hold religious services and other 
meetings of a public character. A Sunday school was organized in this 
house in the spring of 1868. This was the first Sunday school in the 
township. Harry Beggs was superintendent. The school has been 
maintained ever since. In the spring of 1871 it was reorganized as a 
Methodist Episcopal school, which relationship has continued, that dis- 
trict being one of the points where that denomination has regularly held 
services. Rev. E. M. Bussart, William Johns, C. L. Darling, S. C. 
Hocket, Phelix Oliphant and Perry Nixon are some of those who have 
been prominent workers in this school. 

Four-Mile District, No. 38.— The, first school-house in this district was 
a little log building which stood in the middle of the road at the north- 
west corner of section 22. From this it was known as "the little log 
school-house in the lane." In this a Sunday school was organized in 
1870, with J. M. Armstrong superintendent ; it was reorganized iu the 
spring of 1871, with Jacob Masters superintendent. The school was 
maintained till 1883. 

Harmony Grove District, No. 30.— A Sunday school was organized in 
this district in the spring of 1870, with Mr. Pierce superintendent, which 
has continued until the present — a part of the time running all the year, 
and a part of the time closing in the winter. It was first held in Mr. 
Gibson's dwelling-house on the northwest quarter of section 30. William 
Dick, F. H. Dienst and D. D. Lindsey were early and efficient workers 
here. 

Tiinber Hill District, No. 37.— This Sunday school was organized in a 
log school-house on the southeast corner of the Timber Hill town-site, in 
the spring of 1870, with Mr. Baker superintendent. Some years ago it 
was organized as a German Methodist school, and as such still maintains 
its existence and does good work. The Hookey, Breshler and Schrader 
families have been efficient workers. 

Maple Grove District, No. lOe.— This Sunday school was organized on 
February .5, 1882, with J. T. McKee superintendent, and George W. 
Hierronymus assistant. It has not had a continuous existence — some 
years kept up, and at other times has remained dormant. Miss Blauk- 
enship and J. R. Duncan have been recent superintendents. 



300 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

Baptist Union Sunday school was organized in tlie Baptist church on 
section 23, in 1877, and was maintaiued there as a union school until the 
church was removed to Dennis. 

Sylvan Dale District, No. 70. — A school was organized in this district 
in 1873, with George Anderson superintendent. The next spring it was 
reorganized, with J. D. McKeever superintendent, which position he held 
for a number of years. S. M. Bailey was an active worker in this school 
while he lived in the neighborhood. The school moved to Dennis in 1883. 

Pleasant Hill District, No. 77. — A Sunday school was organized in the 
new school-house in this district in the spring of 1873, which was main- 
tained in the place till the completion of 

Bethel Chapel, on southeast quarter of section 30, in township 31, 
range 19 (Walton township), in 1889, when it was removed to that place. 
It has always been recognized as a Methodist school. George W. Blake, 
James Woody ard and a Mr. Brown were early superintendents. 

Muddy Corner District, No. 76. — A little box school-house stood on 
the southwest corner of section 24, township 31, range 17, in which a 
Sunday school was organized in 1872. A new school-house was there- 
after built on the southeast quarter of section 35, and named 

St. John^s, in which a Sunday school has been maintained ever since. 
Israel Foster, J. B, Swart and Adam Funk were earnest workers in this 
school. 

Tici?i Mound District, No. 93. — J. R. Douglas, John Carson and others 
were leading workers in a Sunday school organized in this district in 
1873. It did well for several years, but after that was maintained only 
at irregular times. 

Osage Toamshij) Sunday School Association. — This association has 
been maintained the longest and has been conducted with the most en- 
thusiasm of any of the various township associations in the county. 
During 1871 a picnic was held on section 7, in township 32, rauge 18. 
In 1872 an organization was formed and a picnic held on the old camp- 
ground on the Leroy Dick farm, in section 29, township 31, range 18. 
When the county association commenced to organize township associa- 
tions for the purpose of holding conventions to discuss Sunday school 
topics, this was one of the first townships to respond. Contrary to the 
wish of the county officers, however, the local workers insisted on keep- 
ing the picnic idea in the foreground, and it has ever maintained the 
ascendency which it early acquired. In 1878 the ground near the north- 
east corner of section 20, on William Dick's farm, was secured as per- 
manent picnic grounds, and there every summer large crowds, frequently 
reaching into thousands, congregate and spend a day in the woods. This 
gathering has proved to be a favorite resort for local politicians, giving 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 301 

them, as it does, a fiue opportunity to meet many whose support they 
think it expedient to secure. The picnic is held regularly on the last 
Wednesday in. July, and the association holds its meeting for the dis- 
cussion of Sunday-school interests at Harmony Grove school-house each 
spring, on the call of the president. The association is chartered, and 
has its grounds nicely improved. Some eighteen schools, a part of which 
are situated in Montgomery and Neosho counties, are connected with this 
association. mound valley township. 

Bell Mound District, No. 99. — A Sunday school was organized here in 
1879, with M. F. Wakefield superintendent. It has ever since maintained 
its existence. 

Mound Valley District, No. 40. — A Sunday school was organized at 
this place in the summer of 1870, with Joseph Wilmoth as its first super- 
intendent. It was kept up during the summer of each year, and some- 
times during the winter, until the organization of the denominational 
schools, about 1880. J. H. Tibbits, H. W. Savage, the Coleman families 
and others were active workers in the school. 

McCormick District, No. 19. — A Sunday school was organized in this 
district in the spring of 1870, with John Claspill superintendent, and has 
been kept up with a good degree of regularity since then. 

Mount Triumph District, No. 63. — A Sunday school was organized in 
this district in 1883, with Mr. Robinson superintendent. Sometimes run 
as a union, sometimes as a Methodist Episcopal, sometimes as a United 
Brethren, but several years ago was reorganized as a Protestant Metho- 
dist school. LAUETTE TOWNSHIP. 

Caldicell District, No. S2. — Organized in 1883. Among its superin- 
tendents have been David Caldwell, J. B. Cosatt, J. Covalt, J. J. Decker, 
and Mrs. Mcintosh. 

Hiatt District, No. J^l. — Organized in the spring of 1874. Superin- 
tendents : R. Birt, Mr. Baker, and Wm. Campbell. 

IJBERTY TOWNSHIP. 

Pleasant Valley District, No. 48. — Organized in 1871. Superintend- 
ents : Tobe H. Taylor, James Morning, A. Gager, Frank Crawford, Lon 
Kiter, John Smith, Anna Arnold, David Beyle. 

Labette District, No. 10. — Organized January 1.5, 1871. Superinteud- 
ents : R. Baker, G. K. Sipple, C. Fentress. 

Liberty District, No. 17. — Organized in 1870. Superintendents : Mr. 
Mcintosh, G. K. Sipple, Silas Fentress, G. L. Whitnah, G. W. Giton, E. 
L. Pugh, J. C. Christian, R. H. Thresher. 

MONTANA TOWNSHIP. 

Montana District, No. iJ.— The first school in Montana township was 



302 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

iu Montana district, No. 13. The first school organized in this district 
was in 1868; H. M. Minor was its superintendent. It was reorganized 
in the spring of 1869, with Charles Gray superintendent. Its sessions 
were held in an old store building a part of the time, and when they had 
preaching the Sunday-scliool services were held in the same building 
where the preaching took place. The location was changed from time 
to time, according to their opportunity to secure room. Mr. Gray re- 
mained superintendent for a number of years. A. Gager was one of the 
early workers in the school. Since Mr. Gray's time, among the superin- 
tendents the following have served the school : Thomas Clark, Rev. S. W. 
Griffin, W. F. Schoch, B. Lanham, D. Beyle, O. E. Woods, Wm. Woods. 
Sliiloh District, No. 8. — Organized 1870. Superintendents: Geo. Fa- 
gan, Andy Livesay, Nathaniel Woods, Lewis Grain, W. J. Webb, J. R. 
Youmans,Thos. Clinton, Z. Atchiuson, S. D. Holmes, Mrs. ElnorE. Pierce. 

OSWEGO TOW^NSHIP. 

Oak Orove District, No. 2If.. — This school was organized in the log 
church in the spring of 1871, with Wm. Herbaugh superintendent. The 
following year Mr. Bagby acted as superintendent. In 1876 it was or- 
ganized in the new stone school-house, with A. Brown superintendent. 
Since then the superintendents have been P. S. Hughart, J. W. Brown, 
J. M. Ricker, and J. W. Park. 

8tice District, No. 2. — A Sunday school was organized in this district 
in 1877; A. Kaho, superintendent. It has had but an irregular existence. 

Clover District, No. 23. — A Sunday school has been kept in this district 
at intervals for quite a number of years, but it has not been continuous 
enough to be of great force. 

Campbell District, No. 57.— A. Sunday school was held in this school- 
house during the summer months during a part of the seventies, but in 
later years no attempt has been made to keep it up. 

Woodruff District, No. 101.— ^oow after the building of the school- 
house in this district a Sunday school was organized, with S. N. Wood- 
ruff superintendent, but it was maintained only a year or two. 

FATKVIEAV TOAVNSHIP. 

Stover District, No. 29.— In the summer of 1870 a Sunday school was 
organized in a small house on the southeast quarter of section 17, but re- 
moved to the school-house as soon as it was built, and with more or less 
regularity has been maintained nearly ever since. It has generally been 
known as a union school, although the Methodists, as a rule, have fur- 
nished the larger part of the force that has done the work. Among its 
superintendents have been I. W. Patrick, George Pfaff, John and Jerry 
Winbigler. The Seventh-Day Adventists have also maintained a school 
at this point a part of the time. 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 303 

Newell District, No. 71. — The first Sunday school iu this vicinity was 
organized in the Mcintosh house, iu the spring of 1870. A lady rode on 
horseback to Chetopa and secured Bibles and song-books for the school. 
During its stay in this place it had no regular superintendent, but differ- 
ent members were appointed from Sunday to Sunday to take charge. 
The school was taken to the school-house as soon as it was completed, 
where it has been maintained for the most of the time since. It has had 
for superintendents among others the following : A. B. Hammer, Josiah 
Rayburn, G. D. Fellows, Mr. Young, James Paxton, and J. INI. Magee. 

Bowman District, No. 12. — Organized in 1872, and maintained only a 
part of the time since. 

Maple Orove District, No. 54- — This school has had an existence more 
or less of the time since 1873, and has had among its superintendents 
Joseph Scott, Sallie Bottenfield, J. L. Williams, and John Richardson. 

MOUNT PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 

Pioneer District, No. 59. — The Sunday school iu this district was or- 
ganized in May, 1871, with B. F. Jones superintendent. Among other 
superintendents were S. M. Canaday, Joseph Yance, and George Geer. 

Rayburn District, No. 52. — The Sunday school in this district was first 
organized In May, 1871, iu the claim cabin of D. S. Morrison, on the 
southeast quarter of section 14, and was moved to the school-house when 
it was built. It was maintained for several years. Among its early su- 
perintendents were Jacob Hagermau, Henry Story, George Hildreth. 

Nohle District, No. 89. — This Sunday school was organized in April. 
1874. Josiah Rayburn, Michael Noel, George Hildreth and Henry Sleath 
successively superintended it. 

Bell District, No. 91. — A Sunday school was organized iu this school- 
house in the spring of 1875. B. Johnson, J. Bell sr. and J. Williams 
were early superintendents. 

Janes District, No. 95. — This school was organized in April, 1879. 
Homer Hulse, Milo Hildreth and James Curnutt superintended it. 

Altamont District, No. 43. — A Sunday school was organized in a store 
building iu Elston in 1870, with Martin Gore as superintendent. At the 
same time a school was conducted in Major Hokes's house, on the south- 
east quarter of section 36, Labette township, with Thomas D. Bickerman 
as superintendent. The workers connected with these schools went to 
make up the union school which was organized at Altamont in 1871. It 
was maintained until the organization of the various denominational 
schools, when the union schools ceased. Among those who superin- 
tended the school were A. B. Hammer, James Perry, William Thomp- 
son, I. N. Hamilton, Perry Daniels, S. J. Hershbarger, Daniel Ferrier. 



304 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



CANADA TOWNSHIP. 

liichlancl District, No. 94- — In 1874 a Sunday school was organized iu 
a log house on Ola Olson's claim, by J. H. Tibbits, and he was elected 
superintendent. The cabin being very small and uncomfortable, an ar- 
bor of poles aud brush was made, in which the school was held during 
the summer. A school-house was built the next winter, and in the spring 
the Sunday school was reorganized in it, with J. H. Tibbits superintendent. 

Emmons District, No. 84. — This Sunday school was organized in May, 
1871, at the house of James Sweet, where it was kept till the spriug of 
1873, when it was organized at the school-house, where it has been held 
ever since. Buel Crone was the first superintendent, and B. H. Sharp 
has been superintendent several years since. James Sweet and Joseph 
Kearns have been active and efficient workers. 

HOWARD TOWNSHIP. 

Dresser District, No. 51. — Organized in 1876, with James Bennett su- 
perintendent, and maintained up to the time of the organization of the 
Cougregationalists and Methodists. 

McKennaii District, No. 97. — K. V. Shipp, Mrs. McKenuau and James 
Hunt were associated with others in the organization of the school in this 
district, in 1877. Among the superintendents of this school have been 
R. V. Shipp, Mr. Mills, Ella Hunt, James Hunt, Mrs. Mary McKennan. 

Trenton District, No. 67. — In the spring of 1871 a Sunday school was 
organized in the house of John McClintick, where it was maintained until 
the erection of the school-house in this district, when it was removed to 
that place. J. M. Hart, Jacob French, W. J. Millikin and E. B. Bald- 
win have superintended it at different times. 

Snow Hill District, No. 35. — A school was maintained at this point for 
a number of years, commencing iu 1870. W. J. Herrod was at one time 
superintendent and an active worker in the school. 

Blackford District, No. 6. — As early as 1874 a school was organized 
at this point, and maintained thereafter with a fair degree of regularity. 
Mr. Geyer was its first superintendent ; W. J. Millikin and George Ash 
have also superintended. 

Valeda. — A union school was organized in the Congregational church, 
in the spring of 1887, since which time it has been regularly maintained 
during the summer. W. J. Millikin was its first superintendent: follow- 
ing him there have been William Preston, V. Walliugford, Samuel Nel- 
son, and Mrs. McKennan. 

Lieb Distinct, No. 5.5.— Organized in the spring of 1873. George H. 
Goodwin and W. J. Millikin were early superintendents. 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 305 



ET.M GROVE TOWNSHIP. 

Ripoa District, No. 49. — A Sunday school was organized in March, 
1870, in the house of Dr. D. P. Lucas, on the northwest quarter of sec- 
tion 13, township 35, with Rachel Lucas superintendent, and afterward 
was held in a house belonging to Robert Marrs, standing on the south- 
west quarter of section 10 ; and was also held a part of the time in J. H. 
Jones's house, on the northeast quarter of section 11. Thos. Summerfield 
followed Mrs. Lucas as superintendent. In 1873 it was reorganized in the 
school-house, and Thomas H. Bruner was superintendent; other superin- 
tendents, T. D. Bickham, Mrs. Cook, Henry Faurot, and Mrs. B. M. Smith. 

Star?' District, No. 50. — Organized in 1871. Wesley Faurot has been 
one of the leading workers in the Sunday school since its organization. 

Ellis District, No. 4-5. — In 1870 a Sunday school was taught in Simon 
Bradfield's house, on section 4, and a part of the time in Thomas Dow- 
ell's, on the southwest quarter of section 34. From the time the school- 
house was built a school has been maintained most of the time during 
the summer months. J. B. Ellis and Timothy Kay have superintended 
a good share of the time. 

Rose Hill District, No. 109. — Organized in 1885. Mrs. Lyda Edmund- 
son, Jesse Edmundsou, Mrs. Anna Bickham, Rev. A. Allison, and Mrs. 
I. C. Wall, have successively superintended. 

Edna District, No. 73. — In 1873 a Sunday school was held in Peter 
Goodwin's granary, on the northwest quarter of section 31, with George 
Goodwin superintendent. In April, 1873, the school was reorganized in 
the new school-house, with J. W Millikin superintendent ; he was fol- 
lowed by W. R. Lackey, Owen Wimmer, and Mr. Mills. The school was 
always a prosperous one, and continued in active existence until the or- 
ganization of the denominational schools. 

Valley District, No. 72. — A prosperous Sunday school has been main- 
tained in this district a good portion of the time for a number of years. 
Mrs. C. W. Gray has been a faithful worker, and has superintended the 
school a part of the time. 

HACKBEKRY TOWNSHIP. 

Foland District, No. 70. — A Sunday school was organized in this 
school-house in 1873. Chandler Stevenson, Samuel C. Coulter, Mrs. G. 
W. Leap, J. F. Holmau, John Foland and Samuel McCullough are 
among the number closely identified with the school's growth. Samuel 
C. Coulter, A. H. Mickey, G. W. Jenkins and J. F. Holman have been 
some of the superintendents. The school has not been kept up since 1888. 

Baylor District, No. 55.— As early as 1870 Samuel Coulter, T. J. Cal- 
vin, Mr. and Mrs. S. Lyon, E. G. Eggers and other workers organized a 

-20 



306 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

Suuday school at the house of S. Lyon, and elected him superintendent. 
It continued during that year, but was not reorganized again until the 
school-house was completed. In 1874 it was again organized, and held 
in the sQjiool-house. Its superintendents have been W. G. Baylor, 
Samuel Coulter, T. J. Calvin, G. W. Jenkins, E. G. Eggers, Mrs. S. 
Lyon, and Dr. Owens. With 1884 the school ceased as a union school, 
and was merged in the school organized by the Baptists in their new 
church, and known as the Pleasant Hill Sunday school. 

Liggett District, No. 57.— This school was originally a part of the one 
organized in Dr. Lucas's house, in Elm Grove township, and which there- 
after became the Ripon school. When the school-houses were built two 
Sunday schools were formed, one in the Ripon school-house and one in 
the Liggett school-house. Among the early superintendents of the latter 
school were Ephraim Welch, Mr. Hoy, and Wm. Liggett. This was 
maintained as a union school until the erection of the Cecil church, when 
it was merged in the Methodist school organized in that building. 

BisJiop District, No. 7. — This school w^as organized May 1, 1871. Ab- 
ner DeCou, William Newcomb, H. G. Pore, Alexander Bishop, H. W. 
Sandusky and G. A. Cooper were among those most prominently identi- 
fied with its organization and early management. Mr. H. W. Sandusky 
was its first superintendent, and he was followed by G. W. Jenkins, G. 
A. Cooper, W. S. Bishop, Alexander Bishop, Miss Rose Dorland, W. W. 
Bradbury, A. M. Newman, and Mrs. Catharine Miller. 

Lockard District, No. ^<?.— The Sunday school in this district was or- 
ganized in the spring of 1873, by many earnest workers, among whom 
may be named George Tilton and wife, Thomas Sharp, S. L. Whiting, 
H. J. Reece, W. F. Legg, Mrs. Flora B. Illingsworth, and Mrs. Clara 
Wimmer. Its superintendents have been A. B. Hammer, Thomas Sharp, 
S. L. Whiting, W. F. Legg, W. G. Faurot, and Mrs. F. B. Illingsworth. 

Bartlett District, No. ii^.— This school was organized May 1, 1887, 
with S. L. Whitney superintendent. He has served as such since its 
organization, excepting in 1891, when Mrs. Allie Crane superintended. 

Lake Creek Sunday ScJiooI, District No. 60.— In the spring of 1872, 
Mrs. Julia Knight, G. W. Jenkins, W. W. Baty, A. D. Robinson, Mrs. 
Warren Chamberlain, and several others, feeling the need of religious 
services, organized a Sunday school at the home of H. D. Knight, witii 
Mrs. Julia Knight as superintendent. The next year the school was 
moved to the Lake Creek school-house. District No. 60, and Mrs. Knight 
was again elected superintendent. Those who succeeded her as superin- 
tendent while it remained a union school in the school-house were : G. 
W. Jenkins, W. W. Baty, William Priest, Mrs. Warren Chamberlain, J. 
N. Allison, and W. F. Legg. 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 307 

KICHLAND TOAVXSIIIP. 

Gore District, No. 3.— In the fall of 1866 a few of the settlers in that 
neighborhood organized a Sunday school in James Rice's cabin, with 
Mrs. Rice as superintendent. The next summer it was reorganized, with 
the same superintendent, and maintained during the summer. In the 
spring of 1868 it was reorganized in Orville Thompson's store building, 
with Thompson Palmer superintendent. After this it was held in the 
school-house in that district. Benjamin A. Rice was superintendent in 
1869. Other superintendents have been John F. Hill, Solomon Pierson, 
and L. Baker. It was merged in the Methodist Sunday school at 
Fletcher Chapel on the organization of the latter. 

Watson District. No. 5. — In the spring of 1870 a school w^as organized 
in a claim cabin on J. C. McKnight's place on the southeast quarter of 
section 20, with T. J. Calvin superintendent. A part of the time it was 
held in a log cabin on R. T. Goudy's place. It was reorganized in the 
school-house upon its completion, with Samuel F. Doolen superintendent. 
From 1873 till his death, in 1878, James C. Watson superintended, and 
through his energy and devotion to the school it always did effective 
work. J. M. Morgan superintended for a time after Mr. Watson's death. 

Breese District, JS'o. 25. — A school has been maintained during the 
summer months in this district most of the time from 1872, until the 
erection of Fletcher Chapel. A. J. Swagerty and Mr. Hardaway were 
early superintendents. 

Closser District, No. Gl. — Organized 1875. Superintendents: F. M. 
Mendenhall, Samuel Wade, D. M. Closser, and H. W. Cook. 

Piety Hill District, No. 100. — Organized 1875, and maintained a good 
portion of the time since. W. G. Hoover has been one of the workers in 
this school. 

Cook District, No. 103. — A school has been kept up in this district a 
part of the time of late years. H. W. Cook has been one of the workers. 

COLORED SCHOOLS. 

OSWEGO. 

In April, 1871, Dr. D. B. Crouse, with several teachers from the Meth- 
odist Sunday school, got quite a number of colored people together in the 
Congregational church, and organized them into a Sunday school, which 
was conducted the most of the time during that summer. During a part 
of the next year Rev. F. A. Armstrong got a few of the colored people 
together on Sundays and taught them from the Bible. 

The African Methodist Episcopal Sunday School was organized in 
July, 1877, by Nelson Case and Alexander Mackie, who superintended 



308 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



it alternately for about three years, after which Nelson Case superiu- 
teuded alone till 1886. It was entirely conducted by white officers and 
teachers till about 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Case, Dr. Newlon-, Mr. Mackie, 
and one or two other white teachers, assisted in the school till the colored 
people had learned to read and were able, in a measure, to teach. At 
the request of Mr. Case, the school at one time, before Mr. Nelson took 
charge of it, elected John Boka superintendent ; nevertheless the man- 
agement of the school remained in the hands of the white teachers. 
Since 1886 Edward Nelson has superintended most of the time, up to 1891. 

The Second BajJtist Sunday School.— As soon as this denomination 
inclosed their church, in 1883, they organized a Sunday school, and have 
maintained it, with few interruptions, since. Mrs. Mary E. Case and 
Miss Sarah Crane assisted them in their work for several years. The 
school has had the following superintendents: A. J. Harper, G. W. 
Parks, M. A. Sumner, Thomas Scott, 

Second Methodist Episcopal— This school was organized in 1880. 
Henry Smiley has been superintendent ever since its organization, with 
the exception of 1877-78, when George W. Winn superintended. Mrs. 
Mary E. Case and Miss Sarah Crane taught in this school for a number 
of years. Montana. 

June 30, 1880, a Sunday school was organized in the Presbyterian 
church for the colored people, of which the officers of the Presbyterian 
Sunday school were in charge. It was maintained during that summer 

only. CHETOPA. 

In the fall of 1873 the Sunday-school workers of Chetopa organized a 
school among the colored people. It met from time to time in nearly all 
^he churches in town. It was conducted entirely by white officers and 
teachers. Dr. C. Humble superintended until he went away, in 1877; 
after that John A. Lough and Mrs. Julia A. Knight superintended. 
After the organization of the denominational schools in the colored 
churches this school was given up. 

Second M. E. — Rev. Robert Rector, pastor, secured the organization of 
this school in 1881. Its superintendents have been George Winn, Mr. 
Fagheni, and Mrs. Frances Wilson. 

African M. ^.—Organized about 1881 — perhaps a few years later. 
Superintendents : Harrison McMillan and Nelson Williamson. 

J5rtp^?>^.— Organized in 1883. Superintendents : Jerry Houston, Shack 
Porter, S. Gilmore. parsons. 

African M. ^.— Soon after the organization of the A. M. E. church in 
Parsons, the pastor, Rev. J. H. Daniels, also secured the organization of 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 309 

the Sunday school. The school dates from May, 1876. I have not been 
furnished with a list of its superintendents, nor an account of its work. 

New Hope, Baptist. — On May 38, 1870, Rev. Thomas Wilson secured 
the organization of a Sunday school in connection with this church. I 
have no a2count of its work or officers. 

DENOMINATIONAL SCHOOLS. 

BAPTISTS. 

Labette. — The school was organized in the spring of 1875, and lias had 
the following superintendents : R. K. Jones, John Richardson, William E. 
Crawford, J. P. Christy, W. V. McDonell, T. J. Reel, J. S. McLain, 
Elisha Richardson, E. L. Christy. W. E. Crawford is now superintendent. 

Chetopa. — Prior to 1881 the Baptists and Christians had maintained a 
union Sunday school. In 1881, with the assistance of Rev. J. P. Ash, a 
Baptist Sunday school was organized, with J. C. Witt superintendent. 
Following Mr. Witt as superintendent there have been F. M. Smith, Mrs. 
M. E. Stevens, Miss Eva Merrill, and Robert Williams. 

Oswego. — Organized January 1, 1871, in an old store building on the 
west side of block 39, with D. E. Bent superintendent. Other superin- 
tendents have been : Dr. J. Spruill, Henry Glitz, J. N. Miles, Z. Eaton, 
Merritt Read, A. C. Baker, N. A. Douglas, Porter Sawyer, William P. 
Steel, Nellie Harrison, Rev. C. N. H. Moore. 

Altamont. — Organized in the spring of 1883. Superintendents: Mor- 
ris Bayless, E. Estes, Geo. Hildreth, A. I. Ross, J. Self, and Cyrus Baker. 

Dennis. — The Baptisu Sunday school in Dennis was organized April 2, 
1883, and came almost entirely from the Baptist union school, which was 
transferred from the country to town. William Scott, John Garrison, 
Mr. Payne, and G. W. Everhart have been faithful workers in this school. 

Barton. — This school has existed since the erection of the church, in 
1885. J. H, Tibbets and family have been among its best workers. 

Pleasant Hill Sunday School. — The Baptists having completed their 
church building, in 1885 they organized a Sunday school with Rev. C. T. 
Floyd as superintendent. He has been followed in the superintendency 
by W. W. Lewellen, Witt, H. J. Schock, and Mrs. A. Austin. 

Parsons. — This school was first organized in the city hall in 1871, with 
J. B. Stilwell superintendent, and an attendance of about ten scholars. 
During the year it disbanded, and was not reorganized till about 1878, 
when J. W. Fee was elected superintendent. The school at this time 
numbered about 50. W. W. Neighbour succeeded Mr. Fee, and was suc- 
ceeded by C. F. Hodgman, and he by I. J. Uzzell. W. C. Main has su- 
perintended since Sept. 1 88(3. The average attendance is now about 140. 



310 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

Mound Valley. — The Baptists of Mound Valley worked in the union 
school until the erection of the church, in 1883, since which time they 
have had a school of their own. Among the superintendents have been 
H. W. Savage, P. G. Shanklin, J. H. Elmore, William Wilson. 

Edna. — In the spring of 1883 the Baptists organized a Sunday school 
at the Hawkins school-house, in District No. 92, where it was conducted 
until their church building was erected at Kingston, when it was removed 
to that place. In 1887 the church was moved to Edna, and of course the 
Sunday school with it. The school has had the following superintend- 
ents : J. Keasor, Rev. G. H. Goodwin, Julius Goodwin, J. W. Reasor, J. 
Reasor, Rev. T. M. Cooper, G. W. Reasor, and Lewis Goodwin. The 
last report showed 4 officers, 5 teachers, 55 scholars, average attendance 30. 

CHRISTIANS. 

Chetopa. — Until 1883 the Christians had united with the Baptists in 
holding a Sunday school. In March, 1883, a Christian school was or- 
ganized, with W. J. Latta superintendent. 

Parsons. — Organized 1879, with C. R. Millard superintendent. 

Central— \J^o\\ the organization of the Central Christian Church in 
Parsons, in 1890, a Sunday school was also formed, which has been 
maintained ever since. 

Osicego.—T\\Q Christian Sunday school was organized in the court- 
house, in the spring of 1876. Superintendents : 1876-77, John Overdeer ; 
1878-81, D. H. May; 1882-85, H. C. Draper; 1886-93, David Jennings. 

Mound Valley. — The Christians have had a Sunday school for several 
years, but I have been unable to learn any particulars of its work. 

CONGKKGATIONAL. 

Os?/v^o.— Organized January 23, 1870, and maintained most of the 
time since. However, there have been two or three occasions when for 
several months at a time no school has been maintained. The school has 
no continuous record, and I find no one who remembers definitely who 
its officers have been, but the following list of superintendents is proba- 
bly nearly complete : Dr. W. S. Newlon, Dr. W. E. Austin, W. M. John- 
sou, Dr. W. S. Newlon, Dr. H. J. Martin, O. Whitney, C. U. Dorman, 
Mrs. Louise Morrison, Burton Thorpe, J. D. H. Reed, Rev. Park A. 
Bradford and wife, C. E. Coleman. 

P«rso;?«.— Organized July 30, 1873. Superintendents : P. M. Griffin,. 
A. H. Ayers, I. Dickson, A. P. Wilson, E. C. Ward, J. H. Mosic, G. W. 
Ragland. 

Deerton.—On the completion of the church, in 1880, a Sunday school 
was organized, which was maintained until the church was moved to 
Valeda, in 1886. Rev. James Cooper superintended it while he was 
pastor. 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 311 



UNIVERSAT.IST. 

During the time the Uuiversalists had an orgauization and sustained 
preaching services in Oswego, they also maintained a Sunday school, of 
which John F. Hill was superintendent. 

UNITED BRETHREN. 

Parsons. — Organized 1876, with Abraham Gary superintendent. Since 
that, W.F. Grierson, Butler, A.B. Hacker, and Mrs. Sandercook, 

Union District, No. 69. — Organized in 1870, with Joseph Vance super- 
intendent, and maintained until 1874. 

Dennis. — The United Brethren Sunday school was organized in 1882, 
and came mainly from the Sylvan Dale and Four-Mile schools ; Alvin 
Miller was its first superintendent. It is maintained with a fair degree 
of prosperity. J. D. McKeever and Noah Huff are reported as having 
superintended since Mr. Miller. 

EVANGELICAL. 

A Sunday school was organized by this denomination in the spring of 
1886, in its church in Dennis. W. W. Blake was superintendent for sev- 
eral years. William Dick was one of the workers as long as he was able 
to be around. Jacob Eisenhood and B. F. Dienst have also superin- 
tended. METHODIST EPISCOPAL. 

Oswego. — The first denominational Sunday school to be organized in 
the county was the First Methodist Episcopal Sunday School of Oswego. 
In the summer of 1868 the Methodists first organized a school, of which 
Ansel Gridley sr. w^as superintendent. This, like all the other Sunday 
schools of that time, was run only during the warm weather; it closed 
before the cold weather of winter came on. This school as now conducted 
claims an existence only from Sunday, April 9, 1869, when it was again 
organized, since which time it has had an uninterrupted existence, and 
since the time when Mr. Case took the snperintendency the school has 
not missed a single session. It is by over a year the oldest school that 
now has an existence in the county. At the organization of the school, 
on April 19, 1869, Ansel Gridley sr. was again elected superintendent; 
lie served as such till September 18, 1870, when Nelson Case, having 
been elected superintendent, first took charge of the school. Mr. Case 
then served continuously a little over fifteen years; he tendered his res- 
ignation on September 28, 1885, and it was accepted on October 5. The 
pastor, Rev. J. A. Hyden, superintended from this time till the close of 
the year. W. F. Thorne superintended during 1886, and Rev. J. B. 
Ford, the pastor, during 1887. At the close of 1887 Nelson Case was 
again elected superintendent, and since January 1, 1888, has continued 
in that position. — The school was organized in Crouse's Hall, on lot 5 in 



312 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

block 39, where it held its sessions during the summer of 1869; the fol- 
lowing winter it met in two or three different places — a part of the time 
in Wells's Hall. In the summer of 1870 the new church building was 
erected, and as soon as it was inclosed the school commenced meeting iu 
it. In the fall of 1870 the superintendent instituted a teachers' meeting, 
which has been maintained weekly since. Normal classes have also been 
conducted in connection with the school work for several years. 

Chetopa. — Organized July 17, 1870, with J. M. Cavaness superintend- 
ent, who served until Julj-, 1873, when W. W. Sweet was elected super- 
intendent. In January, 1873, L. J. Van Landingham was elected, and 
served three years; he was followed by S. B. Sloan. In 1877 Mr. Cav- 
aness was elected, and served, with the exception of a year or two when 
D. O. Ditzler superintended, till 1886, when he went into the ministry. 
Following him B. S. Edwards superintended until 1889, when Mr. Cav- 
aness was again placed in charge, since which time he has held the position. 

Montana. — The Presbyterians having organized their school upon the 
completion of their church, in 1878, the Methodists then organized a de- 
nominational school, the two having theretofore been conducted as a 
union school in the school-house. 

AUamont. — Organized in 1884. Superintendents: O. P. Van Slyke, 
J. O. King, Arthur J. Rust, W. J. Lough, P. H. Riepie, E. D. Keinze. 

Parsons. — In the summer of 1873 a Methodist Sunday school was or- 
ganized, with the pastor, Rev. C. R. Rice, superintendent. Owing to 
the straitened circumstances and unorganized condition of the work, the 
school did not maintain a continuous existence, but part of the time 
united with other workers iu carrying on a union school. Besides Rev. 
C. R. Rice, the early superintendents were: M. Wallace, M. G. Brown, 
and J. W. Cowles. In January, 1876, T. H. Cunningham was elected 
superintendent, and continued to act as such until the close of 1890. In 
January, 1891, J. L. Kennerer was elected superintendent, and in Janu- 
ary, 1892, M. E. Wolf was elected, and is now serving. 

Center Chapel. — Upon the completion of this church building, iu the 
spring of 1887, a Sunday school was at once organized therein. It was 
conducted as a union school until the close of 1890, with the following 
superintendents: Mrs. M. E. Casky, A. W. Meador, and F. M. Morrison. 
In January, 1891, it was organized as a Methodist school, with F. M. 
Morrison superintendent ; in January, 1892, W. E. Snyder succeeded him. 

Labette. — Organized in 1876. Superintendents: 1875, J. K. Sipple; 
1877-84, J. B. Payne; 1885, J. E. Williams; 1886, J. B. Payne; 
1887-92, A. C. Lamm. 

Dresser District, No. 5i.— The Methodist school at this point was or- 
ganized in the spring of 1883, and was maintained until the fall of 1886, 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 313 

at which time the class was changed from this to Valeda. W. J. Mil- 
likiii was superintendent the first two years, after which a man with the 
same name, excepting that his name is spelled with an "e" instead of 
an "i" in the last syllable (W. J. Milliken), superintended. 

Mound T'a^fey.— Organized in the fall of 1880, by E. A. Graham. 
Superintendents: J. J. Decker, A. B. Hammer, R. W. Simpson, O. B. 
Moore, Isaac Hill, Alexander Moore, and E. A. Graham. 

Fletcher Chapel. — When this church was inclosed, in the fall of 1883, 
the Sunday school was moved from the Breese school-house to it. Solo- 
mon Pearson was first superintendent. Of those who have succeeded 
him I have not been furnished a list, but understand that among them 
have been Fannie Kirby and R. A. Hill. 

Hopewell. — This school has ever been known as the "Evergreen," from 
the fact that while most of the schools in the country closed during the 
winter months, this was kept running the year round, from its first or- 
ganization. It was organized in April, 1871, in a granary on the place 
of James Beggs, and was afterward held in a dwelling-house until the 
Henderson school-house was completed, when it was removed to that 
building, where it was held until Hopewell church was completed, since 
which time its home has been in that structure. From its organization 
until 1884, James Beggs was its superintendent, with the exception of 
one year, when George McDole filled that place. Since 1884 it has had 
several superintendents, among whom have been L. C. Masters, W. T. 
Beggs, M. Daniels, and James Monroe. 

Pleasant Hill. — Organized in 1890, and has had for superintendents 
James Woodyard, Mrs. Barker, and James Tenable. 

Excelsior. — Organized in 189:2. 

Edna. — Almost from the first organization of Sunday-school work in 
Edna it was largely under the control of the Methodists ; but it was not 
till they went into the new church, in the spring of 1883, that the Meth- 
odists organized a distinctively denominational school. The following 
persons have superintended the school : E. B. Baldwin, L. Powell, H. S. 
Wimmer, Charles Long. 

Cecil. — As soon as the Methodist church at Cecil was inclosed, the 
Sunday school which had been previously conducted at the Liggett 
school-house was moved to the church ; this was done in March, 1883. 
J. N. Thompson was its first superintendent, and since then there have 
been J. D. Lombard, J. P. Lewman, Lydia A. Owens, Noah E. Barrick, 
Elizabeth Laman. pkesbyteriax. 

Mound Valley. — Organized December 7, 1884; Dr. L. D. Strother, 
.superintendent; 48 scholars, divided into eight classes. The school has 
been maintained ever since. C. M. Brown superintended for a year or two. 



314 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

CJietopa. — Organized July 17, 1870, with C. S. Moutagiie superinteud- 
ent, and on August 25, 1872, Dr. C. Humble was elected superintendent. 
He continued to serve till he went away, in 1877. Following him the 
school has been superintended by C. H. McCreery, S. O. Barnes, Fred. 
Allen, Jesse M. Morgan, Julia R. Knight, and Arnold D. Kobisou. 

Parsons. — Organized in December, 1872, witli Harry L. Gosling super- 
intendent. Succeeding him there have been the following superintend- 
ents: M. B. Park, I. N. McCreery, G. C. Hitchcock, S. M. Cambern, 
Frank Mulford, S. A. Scott, F. L. Schaub, W. H. Martin, J. L. Morrison. 

Osicego.—OYg^mzQA in May, 1870, with Cornelius V. Monfort superin- 
tendent. He was followed by J. J. Browne, J. W. Monfort, E. B. New- 
ton, Alexander Mackie, Chas. Coit, Andrew Mackie, Albert A. Smith, 
R. P. Carpenter, Fred. C. Wheeler, Henry L. McCune, Fred. W. Keller, 
E. P. Mossman, and J. M. Berry. 

Montana. — When the Presbyterian church was built at Montana, in 

1878, the Sunday school was at once organized therein, with James 
Morning superintendent, since when it has been maintained only a part 
of the time. 

Lake Creek. — The Lake Creek Presbyterian church having been built, 
the Sunday school which had been maintained at the school-house was 
removed to it, in 1884, where it was opened as a Presbyterian school, and 
the union school was discontinued. Since removing to the church, its^ 
superintendents have been: A. D. Robison, Thomas E. Baty, Mrs. J. H. 
Sellers, Irwin A. Robinson, and again Thomas E. Baty. 

Edna. — This school was organized in their church in Kingston, in 

1879, where it was continued until the church was moved to Edna, in 
1887. John T. Watt was superintendent while the school remained at 
Kingston and for a year after it was moved to Edna. In 1889 H. Allen 
was superintendent. No school was maintained during 1890 and 1891. It 
was reorganized in January, 1892, with J. T. Watt as superintendent. 

The Chetopa United Presbyterian Sunday School was organized in 
Thomas's Hall in May, 1871, and on the completion of the church build- 
ing in the fall of that year, the Sunday school there found its home, 
where it has had a continuous existence to the present time, meeting in 
the morning before preaching, except for a short time, when it was held 
immediately after preaching. Two features of this school are worthy of 
special commendation, the first being the fact that nearly all the congre- 
gation is in the Sunday school, thus giving it probably the largest per 
cent, of adult attendance of any school in the county ; the other item re- 
ferred to is a mission collection on nearly every Sunday. Rev. J. C. 
McKnight has continuously served as Bible-class teacher from the organ- 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 315- 

ization of the school. John Torrence aud William Wade have been suc- 
cessful teachers respectively of the classes for young men and young 
women. T. J. Calvin was the first superintendent, and held the position 
for ten years, from 1871 to 1881. Succeeding him were the following 
parties: Samuel Wade six months, I. N. Anderson three years, John 
Torrauce five years, David Burnside one year, Mrs. Robert McCaw one 
year, and Mrs. R. J. Stewart is the present superintendent. 

COU^^TY SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION. 
In the spring of 1873 several of the Sunday-school workers of Chetopa 
joined in issuing a call for a meeting to form a county Sunday school as- 
sociation. Pursuant to this call, quite a number met in the Presbyterian 
church in Chetopa, on March 21, 1873, and effected a temporary organiza- 
tion by electing J. M. Cavaness temporary president and C. S. Montague 
temporary secretary. A constitution was adopted, and the following 
officers elected : President, I. W. Patrick ; secretary, C. S. Montague ; 
treasurer, T. J. Calvin ; executive committee, J. M. Cavaness, Nelson 
Case, J. F. Hill, Amy B. Howard. Meetings have been held annually, 
with two exceptions, and several years two or more meetings have been 
held. No meeting was held in either 1888 or 1890. The annual meet- 
ings have been held as follows: Oct. 15, 1873, Oswego; Oct. 31, 1873, 
Chetopa; Sept. 23, 1874, Oswego; Sept. 36, 1875, Chetopa; Sept. 37, 1876, 
Parsons; Sept. 19, 1877, Oswego; Sept.18, 1878, Mound Valley; Sept. 23, 
1879, Labette; Sept. 21, 1880, Montana; Oct. 6, 1881, Oswego; March 31, 
1882, Chetopa; May 3, 1883, Mound Valley; May 7, 1884, Altamont; May 
21, 1885, Labette; May 12, 1886, Altamont; Oct. 5, 1887, Mound Valley ; 
Jan. 3, 1889, Edna; March 17, 1891, Oswego; Feb. 29, 1892, Mound Val- 
ley ; Dec. 13, 1893, Chetopa. Presidents : March 21, 1872, to Oct. 22, 1873, 
I. W. Patrick; 1873-77, Nelson Case; 1877-79, Rev. F. L. Walker; 1879, 
D. G. Brown; 1880, Rev. R. M. Scott; 1881-83, Rev. C. H. McCreery ;. 
1883-86, J. M. Cavaness; 1886, Rev. J. B. Ford; 1887-88, J. H. Elmore; 
1889, John Slaughter; 1890-92, F. L. Schaub; 1892-93, Agnes Baty. 
Secretaries: 1872, C. S. Montague; 1872-73, Rev. J. H. Metier; 1873-77, 
C. Humble; 1877, Nelson Case; 1878, L. J. Van Landingham ; 1879, G. 
K. Sipple; 1880-85, Charles T. Carpenter; 1885-87, William Paramore ; 
1887-88, Hattie Beggs; 1889-92, Agnes Baty ; 1892-93, Nellie Harrison. 

TOWNSHIP ASSOCIATIONS. 
Before even the county association had been formed, the Sunday- 
school workers in Oswego met on September 26, 1869, and formed a local 
organization, of which Nelson Case was elected president. This was the 
first association organized in the county. After the formation of the 



216 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

€Ounty association, the cities organized or reorganized their associations 
on a basis uniform with the township associations. At the annual con- 
vention of the county association in October, 1875, it was resolved to try 
and secure the organization of the several townships as fast as possible, 
and within the next two years an organization was effected in each town- 
ship and city in the county. Many of these associations, however, were 
short-lived. Their original organization was the result of visits and work 
by one or more of the officers of the county association, and when these 
visits ceased most of the township associations ceased to hold meetings. 
Two or three townships have maintained their organizations, and have 
regularly held conventions, among them North and Osage ; and in all of 
the townships quite an amount of local work has been done. 



CHUKCH ORGANIZATIONS. 

SEVENTH-DAY ADVEXTISTS. 

A few families holding the belief of this denomination early settled in 
Osage township, and soon commenced to hold meetings in private houses, 
occasionally going to the different school-houses to hold their services. 
About 1880 they bought from the Christians the church building the 
latter had erected on section 26, in which they have since continued to 
hold meetings. In the fall of 1869 John Madison commenced preaching 
in William Logan's log house on section 9, in Fairview township, and 
ever since that time they have maintained regular services in the Stover 
school-house. J. H. Cook, H. C. Blanchard and L. D. Santee have been 
among those who have preached at this point. For some ten years past 
services have been held with a good deal of regularity in the southwest 
part of the county : Valeda is now the center of that work. Services are 
held occasionally at Chetopa, Parsons, Oswego, and probably other points. 

CHURCH OF GOD. 

Zion Hill. — This church was organized in the fall of 1883, by Mrs. 
€lara Utsey, with 15 members. Services were conducted by her in the 
Stover school-house until the completion of their church building. The 
church was erected in the fall of 18S4, on the northwest corner of section 
10, in Fairview township. Besides Mrs. Utsey, Rev. Mr. Barterbaugh 
and Rev. Mr. Cross have preached for this congregation. It has for 
some time been without a pastor. 

Center Bethel was organized about the same time as Zion Hill. A 
church house was erected in the spring of 1884, on the northwest corner 
of section 21, in Liberty township. The same ministers who have sup- 
plied Zion Hill have also preached for this congregation. 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 317 



Janes.— A.W organizatiou of this church was etfected at the Janes school- 
house, in District No. 95, in the fall of 1884. It has had the same minis- 
ters as Zion Hill church. 

MORMONS, OR LATTI:R-DAY SAINTS. 

Quite a number of this persuasion were among the first settlers along- 
Pumpkin creek, in the southern part of Mound Valley and Canada town- 
ships. Among those who were prominent were the families of Hart, 
Eichard and Benjamin Davis, Phineas and Charles Fultz. There were 
several among them who were recognized as preachers. Services were 
held from house to house quite regularly. When the school-house was 
built, in 1877, in District No. 9 4, they organized, and removed their ser- 
vices to that place, where they have since been regularly continued. 

UXIVERSALISTS. 

In January, 1883, an organization of this denomination was effected at 
the home of Rev. J. Davis, in Oswego. Meetings were conducted in the 
court-house, and part of the time in Liggett's Hall. Rev. J. Davis was 
elected pastor, and continued to serve as such till about the middle of 
April, 1885, when the organization was practically disbanded. Services 
were not maintained regularly, however, during all of that time. 

BROTHERHOOD OF HUMANITARIANS. 

^ January 13, 1881, an organization taking this title was formed in Lig- 
gett's Hall, in Oswego, as follows: Mrs. E. Smith, president; Mrs. I. C. 
Pierce, vice-president ; Mrs. M. A. Hurlbut, secretary ; Dr. R. W. Wright, 
treasurer. I do not know to what extent they maintained meetings. 

THE SALVATION CHURCH OF CHRIST 

Was formed by Thomas D. Bickham as a new religious organization, in 
Chautauqua county, in 1880, and the following year a class was organized 
at Rose Hill school-house, in District No. 91, which has been maintained 
since then. This is the only class in the county belonging to this organ- 
ization. Since the death of Thomas D. Bickham, in 1889, his son, Ezra 
E. Bickham, has been the leading spirit in this church. 

NEOSHO VALLEY CHURCH. 

The southwest corner of section 33, township 32, range 21, was deeded 
to F. Swanwick and Randall Bagby, for the use of all religious denomi- 
nations. The neighbors contributed work and logs, and in January, 1870, 
a log church was erected upon this ground, and a cemetery was also 
started thereon. Xearly all denominations at one time or another held 
services here : possibly the preachers of the Methodist Church South used 
it as much as any other. The building was used for both school and 
church purposes until the new school-house was built in District 24, after 
which the building was torn down. The burying-ground is still used. 



-■318 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

CHUECII OF AVILSONTON. 

This church professed to be organized on the plan of the old apostles, 
of having one church in a place. The first meeting lookiug toward its 
organization was held October 27, 1889, in the hall at Wilsonton. Rev. 
George E. Thrall was elected chairman and Mrs. Ella B. Wilson secre- 
tary. A constitution was adopted and officers elected. 

THE CATHOLIC CHUKCH. 

Chetopa. — Father Schoenmaker and other priests had visited along the 
Neosho as soon as settlers had commenced to arrive, and had done con- 
siderable religious work; but no church was organized by them till 1871. 
On July 16, 1871, Father Dougherty took charge of the work, and began 
holding services in Drake's Hall. A building was erected, and on May 31, 
1874, dedicated by Rev. E. Bononcini, pastor, and Rev. F. Swemberg, of 
Emporia. Father Bononcini had charge of the work for some time prior 
to December, 1880, when he was succeeded by C. Haspenthal. 

Ostcego. — Priests from neighboring parishes visited Oswego from time 
to time and held services. In 1878, largely through the Instrumentality 
of F. Beyle, a building was erected, which was dedicated October 13th 
of that year, by Rev. Paul M. Ponziglioni. A priest has supplied this in 
connection with other points. 

Parsons. — St. Patrick's congregation was organized by Father Philip 
G. Calloten, in the summer of 1872, and lots 1 and 2 in block 122 were 
secured on which to commence the erection of a frame church. In De- 
cember, 1876, he was succeeded by Father Joseph Dreason, w^ho served 
till August, 1881, when Father Rose took charge. Under his direction 
the property at the head of Central avenue was secured and converted 
into a convent. Five sisters from St. Agnes convent at Osage Mission 
were secured to conduct the school. Changes w^ere also made in the 
church building and grounds. Fathers Hodgden, Reil, and Ward, the 
latter now in charge, have been successors of Father Rose. Under the 
management of Father Ward work has commenced on a large new cathe- 
dral, which will be a fine building when completed. 

PIIOTESTANT EPISCOPAL. 

Oswego. — In 1870, and for a year or two thereafter, Episcopal services 
were held now and then at Oswego, and some steps were taken towards 
organizing a parish. If it was accomplished at all, it did not live long 
nor show many signs of life. 

Chetopa. — During 1871 the Episcopalians held occasional services in 
some of the churches in Chetopa, and gathered together some strength 
that naturally tended to that body. In May, 1872, St. Paul's parish was 
formed, with Rev. Thomas L. Smith as rector. The church never devel- 
oped much strength. 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 319 

Parsons. — St. John's Memorial Church was organized in June, 1874, 
as a memorial to Ezra Williams Howard, of Providence, R. I., whose 
widow, through Bishop Vail, gave 82,000 towards its erection. The 
first board of trustees consisted of Angell Matthewson, W. C. Holmes, 
J. R. Brown, James Barton, George Thornton, S. O. Fletcher, and Wil- 
liam Horsefall. Dr. J. B. Lamb was the first senior warden. Rev. 
Benjamin Mower was at once secured as the first rector, and he continued 
to act as such for something over a jear. He immediately commenced 
raising money for the erection of a church. On Sunday, September 27, 
1874, the corner-stone was laid, under the direction of the Masons and 
Odd Fellows, and on April 4, 1875, the church was opened by Bishop 
Tail. Prior to the completion of their own church they had held ser- 
vices in the Methodist tabernacle. Mr. Gay, D. W. Cox, Mr. Talbot, W. 
T. Bowen and C. W. Harris are among those who have served as rectors. 

CHRISTIAX CHUKCIIES. 
[It is probable that some of the organizations which I have grouped under this 
head might be more properly designated, according to their own claim, by some other 
name, but I have no information by which I can make any better classification than 
this.-N. C] 

Concord. — Soon after the completion of Concord school-house, in Dis- 
trict No. 16, in the fall of 1868, Rev. Jackson Statton commenced hold- 
ing services In it. He and other ministers frequently preached there 
during the next year. In 1874 Rev. J. S. Masters began preaching here, 
and organized a church, which was maintained for some five years. 

Franklin was organized at Center school-house. District No. 14, in 
1869, by Peterson Cherry and AVilliam Mcintosh. Some two years later 
it was moved to the Liberty school-house. In District No. 17, and some 
three or four years later to the Franklin school-house, in District No. 55, 
where it has since been maintained. It has had for its pastors Elders 
Berry, Randall, Murray, and Cole. 

Pleasant Hill. — A church was organized in the log school-house in 
District No. 38, in April, 1871, by Rev. Jacob S. Masters, who preached 
for them a number of years. In 1878 they built a frame church on the 
northeast quarter of section 26, township 31, range 18. After Mr. Mas- 
ters moved away the organization ceased, and the church building was 
sold to the Seventh-Day Adventists. 

Lockard. — An organization was formed at the Lockard school-house, 
in District No. 28, by Rev. J. N. Allison, who has preached there for 
some time. 

Star. — Rev. J. S. Masters organized a church in the Star school-house, 
in District No. 50, in 1874, and preached there several years. It was 
then consolidated with the South Hackberry church. 



320 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

South Hackherry {now Elm City). — This church was organized at the 
Valley school-house, District No. 73, by Rev. J. S. Masters aucl Rev. G. 
W. Goodman, April 6, 1873, and has maintained services ever since. 
Rev. J. S. Masters and his brother Rev. J. L. Masters have preached 
for the church the greater part of the time, but it has also had other 
preachers. The services were changed in 1887 from the Valley school- 
house to Rose Hill school-house, in District No. 109. The church in the 
summer of 1893 erected a house of worship at Elm City, which was dedi- 
cated Oct. 9, 1893, by Rev. J. S. Masters. Philander Davis, A. Humphries, 
J. Allison, and F. Fallie, besides the Masters brothers, have been pastors. 

Emmons District, No. 84.. — In 1877 Rev. Skelton Riley, a preacher in 
the Christian denomination, commenced preaching in this school-house, 
and as there were several in the neighborhood who wanted to have a 
church connection, he soon succeeded in forming quite an organization of 
those who had belonged to various denominations. The understanding 
was that no particular denominational creed should be preached. Every- 
thing went off smoothly for about a year, but finally the preacher mixed 
in his sermons quite a large amount of his peculiar denominational views, 
which was distasteful to a large proportion of his members. The mem- 
bership gradually decreased, and after an existence of something like 
two years the organization became entirely disbanded. 

Bell Mound District, No. 99. — A Christian church was organized at 
this point several years ago, which has since been maintained. A. D. 
Skaggs and Job Padget have done considerable preaching for them. 

Chetopa. — On September 11, 1870, Rev. Allen Crocker, of Burlington, 
preached at Spaulding's Hall. This was the first service held by this de- 
nomination in Chetopa. This church was organized with 36 members, 
in January, 1876, by Benjamin H. Smith, who served it as pastor for 
about eighteen mouths, preaching for them once a month. In 1878 Elder 
M. J. Jenkins held a series of meetings, the use of the Baptist church 
being secured for that purpose. For the next three years the church 
was occasionally served by Prof. Robert Hay. The church then became 
disbanded, partially for want of a place to meet. In 1883 a room in the 
California House was secured as a place for meeting, and F. S. Young 
and P. A. Millard were secured to hold a series of meetings in April. 
These resulted in a reorganization of the church, with 34 members. A 
Sunday school had been organized by them a few weeks before. P. A. 
Millard served them as pastor for a year or more, after which they had 
preaching occasionally till the spring of 1886, when M. J. Jenkins be- 
came pastor, giving them half of his time for some six months. In 1884 
a frame church 33x44 feet was erected, at a cost of about $1,400, and 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 321 

dedicated December 14, 1884, by W. C. Pool. On April 30, 1889, the 
church traded this house of worship with the Baptist denomination for 
its bnilding, and thereupon the two denominations exchanged places of 
meeting. In 1888 Elder M. Ingles preached one-half the time, and G. W. 
Leonard once a month in 1891. A. J. Garrison was pastor in 1892, 
preaching two Sundays each mouth, until November, when he resigned. 

Labette. — This church was first organized at Liberty school-house, Dis- 
trict Xo. 17, in 1871, by William Mcintosh, who preached to them most 
of the time for several years. In September, 1877, the organization was 
removed to the town of Labette, where it has since been maintained. 
They have not had regular pastors much of the time, but have had occa- 
sional preaching by Peter Shick, Frank Harmau, Elder Jenkins, A. D. 
Skaggs, Thomas Cole, and others. 

Montana. — This church was organized at the residence of Dr. R. M. 
Taylor, December 3, 1886, at which time J. J. Freeman, Crowell Cook 
and R. H. Gaston were elected trustees. Lots 7 and 8 in block 14 were 
secured, and a church building was erected thereon in 1887, at a cost of 
about ^(500. The church has beeu supplied with regular preaching but a 
small portion of the time. Rev. A. D. Skaggs preached for them some 
time in connection with his work at other points in the county. In 1893 
they sold their church building to the Methodists. 

Parsons. — The First Christian Church of Parsons was first organized 
in 1873, with 13 members, and was reorganized in 1875, with 35 mem- 
bers. A brick church building was completed in 1879. Its first elders 
were Phineas Davis and John Leonard ; its first deacons, J. F. Van 
Meter and W. L Daily ; J. B. Graves was first pastor ; following him 

there have been C. C. Cline, C. O. McKiuney, O. E. Ebert, Thomas, 

J. P. Witt, J. T. Tucker. 

Central. — In May, 1890, J. P. Witt, who had been preaching for the 
First church, organized the Central Christian church of Parsons, with a 
membership of about forty, and became its first pastor. He was suc- 
ceeded by D. M. Harris, and he by Brown. The church has as yet 

erected no building. 

Attamont. — This church was organized in March, 1877, by Elder Frank 
Harmon, with thirteen members. James Perry and William P. Daniel 
were its first elders, and F. L. Hamilton and James Daniel its deacons. 
It has been served by the following ministers : Frank Harmon, J. Padget, 
P. W. Shick, John Owen, B. F. Lucas. In 1893 this church purchased 
the frame building which had previously beeu the public school building, 
which they have removed and repaired for use as a church. 

Oswego. — The Oswego Christian church was organized in May, 1875, 

— •21 



322 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY 



by Rev. J. W. Randall, with a membership of about twenty soon after 
completing the organization. For a time they held services in the Bap- 
tist church, and afterwards in the court-house. In 1879 they erected a 
house of worship, which was dedicated January 25, 1880, by Rev. Kirk 
Baxter. The pastors have been as follows: J. W. Randall, M. J. 
Jenkens, Kirk Baxter, H. S. Kline, Thomas E. Shepherd, D. R. De 
Schullie, A. H. Mulkey, R. A. Thompson, J. W. Ferrell, M. Ingels, J. 
H. Blake, and E. N. Tucker. — An organization of the Y. P. S. C. E. was 
effected October 12, 1890, and has done a good line of work in Bible 
study. David Jennings has been its president since its inception. 

Mound Valley. — An organization was effected at the residence of E. 
Stapleton, in May, 1871, by Rev. J. W. Randall. This organization, 
however, only lasted for a short time. In March, 1882, Rev. J. Padget 
conducted a series of meetings in a school-house, and a reorganization 
was formed. A house of worship was erected that summer. 

COXGREGATIOXAI. CHURCHES. 

Oswego. — The Congregational church of Oswego was the first church 
to be organized In the county. The meeting at which it was organized 
was held in the building at the northeast corner of block 33, then used 
for school and church purposes, Jan. 9, 1868. There were present Rev. T. 
H. Can field. Dr. W. S. Newlon, Mrs. M.W. Newlon, Mrs. LucindaNewlou, 
William Herbaugh, Augusta Herbaugh, and A. L. Austin. W. S. New- 
lon was elected clerk, A. L. Austin and William Herbaugh deacons. On 
the following Sunday, January 12th, the public organization of the 
church took place. Rev. Thomas H. Canfield was sent out by the Board 
of Home Missions in the fall of 1867, and soon commenced preaching. 
He was the first regular preacher on the ground who came more as a 
preacher than as a settler, although the Methodists had several local 
preachers here before he came. Early in 1869 they connnenced the erec- 
tion of a stone church, which was inclosed about the last of the year, and 
cost some $2,000. The church was first occupied on January 23, 1870, 
although it was not yet completed. Mr. Canfield resigned in 1870, aud 
was succeeded for a few mouths by Rev. J. F. Morgan, who was followed 
by Rev. F. A. Armstrong — a man with a large amount of wisdom and 
goodness, but with less 'practical sense. As a consequence, he aud his 
members did not see things alike, and he was finally left as pastor of a 
church almost without a membership. The church remained closed for 
a number of months, but finally A. Bixby was employed, and preached 
most of the time for some two or three years — from 1876 to 1879. John 
F. Flint served a few months in 1880. E. F, Smith was called in the 
spring of 1881, and served until the summer of 1882. J. N. Branch 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 323 

ii reached for them the last half of 1883. O. M. Vau Sweariiigen came 
in the spring of 18S4, and stayed a little more than a year. P'rom the 
fall of 1886 to the spring of 1887 Wm. T. Blenkarn supplied the pulpit; 
it then remained vacant till the spring of 1891, when Park A. Bradford 
was employed, and remained most of that year. In the summer of 1892 
Chas. H. Currans filled the pulpit. The church is now without a pastor. 
Pa?-«6>M*.— Early in 1872 several citizens of Parsons who leaned toward 
Congregationalism, after consulting some of the officers of the Home 
Missionary Society decided to organize, and secured the incorporation of 
"'The First Congregational Church Society of Parsons," with E. C. Ward, 
E. S. Stevens and C. L. Whitney as trustees. Hew^es's Hall was rented, 
and Rev. Mr. Storrs and other ministers promised to preach till the 
arrival of the Rev. P. M. Grilfin, who was to be sent out by the Home 
Missionary Society as soon as he finished his course at Andover. As the 
Methodists and Presbyterians were already occupying this hall on alter- 
nate Sabbaths, the Congregationalists could only hold services occa- 
sionally. This hastened their action in building a church. The town 
company donated lots 1 and 2 in block 49, and the church purchased lots 
3 and 4 adjoining. Mr. Griffin arrived on the ground and commenced 
work September 1, 1872. A brick building 27x65 was constructed as 
rapidly as could be done, and was completed in the following July. On 
July 12, 1873, Edmund S. Stevens, Mrs. Elizabeth Stevens, Mrs. Emily 
Fellows, Rev. Presley M. Griffin and Mrs. E. J. Griffin formed them- 
selves into and organized the First Congregational Church of Parsons. 
On the following day, Sundaj^ July 13, 1873, the church building was 
dedicated by Dr. P. McVicar; the church was reorganized, and the pas- 
tor was ordained and installed by an ecclesiastical council. Mr. Griffin 
remained pastor till August 19, 1879, when he resigned, and was duly 
dismissed by the council. During Mr. Griffin's pastorate the church 
membership w^as increased from five to sixty-two, and the entire church 
indebtedness was canceled. Mr. Griffin was succeeded by Rev. H. M. 
Burr, who came in November, and continued till May, 1880, when he 
was compelled by ill-health to resign. From this time till September 1, 
1881, the church was without a pastor; at that time Rev. C. Hartley 
came and stayed till June, 1882, w^hen he resigned. In December, 1882, 
Rev. W. H. Utley became pastor, and continued till February 1, 1886. 
In May of that year Rev. C. L. McKesson accepted a call, and remained 
some tw^o years. The church was then closed till the summer of 1890, 
during wdiich time it seemed that the life of the church had entirely fled : 
but the membership again rallied, repaired the church, and extended a 
call to their first pastor, Rev. P. M. Griffin, who accepted, and began 
work September 1, 1890, and continued till sometime in 1892. During 



324 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNIY. 

his last pastorate a Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor was 
formed, and new vitality was put in the church in many ways. 

The Deerton Congregational Church was organized in the Dresser 
school-house, District No. 51, July 23, 1877, by Kev. S. D. Storrs, with 
seven members. Rev. Alanson Bixby, of Oswego, w^as chairman of the 
meeting, and after the organization of the church he was at once chosen 
pastor; he served this church in connection with the church at Oswego. 
There were seventeen accessions during the year. At the close of that 
year Rev. Uriel Farmer was chosen pastor, and during the year steps 
were taken to erect a church and parsonage. George E. Wiley donated 
three acres of land on the northwest (luarier of section 21, township 34, 
range 18, near the north line of Howard township, for church and par- 
sonage. The parsonage was built during 1878. The church building 
was erected in the fall of 1879, and was dedicated January 34, 1880, the 
corner-stone having been laid October 18, 1879. Mr. Farmer having 
served two years, he retired, and Rev. Mr. Flint temporarily supplied 
the pulpit. Early in 1883 Rev. James Cooper became pastor, and served 
to the close of 1883. During his pastorate about fifty names were added 
to the list of members. With the opening of 1884 Rev. Howard Gilchrist 
entered on his pastorate, which continued till near the close of 1885, 
when Rev. Park A. Bradford preached for a time. This closed the work 
while the building remained at Deerton. 

Valeda. — In the fall of 1886 the church building was removed from 
Deerton to Valeda. No services were held by the church until the fall 
of 1891. On Sept. 37, 1891, the church was reorganized, with 33 mem- 
bers. Rev. S. B. Dyckman was chosen pastor, and has continued since 
to serve in that capacity. The parsonage still remains at Deerton. 

BAPTISTS. 

Altamont. — On June 18, 1883, a few families, — viz. : of the Bonebrake 
families, Frank, May, S. M., Ezra, Amanda J., Luella; of the Baker 
family, 'Isaac, Aseneth, Thomas L,, May C, Allen T., Melvina; George 
and Margaret Chapman, Jonathan and Sarah Self, and Adeline Burns — 
presented letters from other churches, and organized the Altamont Bap- 
tist church. Rev. T. C. Daniels was chosen as the first pastor ; he only 
served till Nov. 19, 1883, when he was followed by J. M. C. Reed, who 
served for three years. E. Estes, W. G. Slinker and W. T. Jackson 
have been the subsequent pastors. In 1883 a building costing about 
$1,500 was completed, and dedicated Jan. 39, 1884, by Rev. A. S. Merri- 
field. The church has a membership of about fifty. 

Osicego. — The First Baptist Church of Oswego was organized at the 
court-house April 38, 1869, with the following members : Rev. Thomas 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 325 

Clark and wife D. Clark, Rev. Zacliariah Harris and wife Anna J. 
Harris, Rev. T. J. Flouronoy and wife Virginia Flouronoj', and mother 
Nancy P. Flouronoy, John S. Read and wife E. C. Read, Elijah Read 
and wife Sarah "Read, Sarah N. Carr, Anna M. Bridgman, Jeriisha P. 
Smith, John Garrett, Jemima Garrett, and George W. Kingsbury. Rev. 
M. A. Clark, home missionary, was present, and acted as clerk. Rev. C. 
A. Batemau, of Chetopa, was also present, and gave the right hand of 
fellowship. Rev. Thomas Clark acted as moderator. John S. Read was 
elected clerk, Thomas J. Flouronoy deacon, John S. Read, T. J. Flouro- 
noy and G. W. Kingsbury trustees.— On May 8, 1869, a meeting was 
held, at which it was voted, on motion of Mr. Flouronoy, to proceed to 
build a house of worship. Subscription papers were put in circulation 
and reference is made to the matter at several meetings during the year, 
but no results are reported. — On June 9, 1869, "the subject of foot- 
washing in connection with the supper was introduced by Bro. Flouro- 
noy. There being no second to his motion, there was no action had upon 
the subject." There seems to have been no employment of a pastor dur- 
ing 1869 or 1870, but Rev. Thomas Clark preached quite regularly 
the first year. — On May 20, 1870, Rev. F. L. Walker arrived in Oswego, 
and at once took charge of the church, and to his faithful labors during 
the next twelve years, more than to any other human agency, are the 
Baptists indebted for the privileges they enjoy to-day. In September of 
that year a building committee was appointed, lots on which to build 
were selected and donated by the town company, and preparations were 
commenced in earnest to have a church building. The foundation was 
laid early in the spring of 1871, and was inclosed by midsummer of the 
following year. Though not finished, the church held their first services 
in the new house on July 13, 1873, with thirteen persons present, only 
eight of whom were members. Services continued to be held there till 
winter, when other quarters had to be secured. The next year the 
church was plastered and seated. Mr. Walker continued as pastor of 
the church till the close of 1881, when he severed his relation and went 
further west.— In April, 1882, Rev, C. T. Daniel accepted a call, and at 
once entered upon his pastorate, which w^as continued till March, 1883, 
when he resigned, and the church remained without a pastor until April, 
1884, when Rev. J. M. Lackey accepted a call, and remained only till 
September. During the summer of 1883 the church was re-furnished in- 
side and re-seated. — In February, 1885, Rev. Chas. J. Bowles accepted a 
call, and served the church until close of 1886.— In March, 1889. Rev. 
Robert Smith became pastor, and continued as such to July, 1890. The 
church was then without a regular pastor until April, 1891, when Rev. 
C. N. H. More commenced his services as pastor, which he still contin- 



326 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNl^Y. 

lies. — B. Y. P. U. was organized iu April, 1891, with Miss Nellie Harri- 
son as president. Since then it has had for presidents T. F. Kaho and 
Fluta Owens. 

The Second Baptist Church of Oswego was organized by the colored 
people, iu 1880. Cornelius Johnson secured its organization, and became 
its first pastor. Since then the church has had the following pastors : 
A. W. Green, J. J. Johnson, J. R. White, T. T. Ward, D. T. Carriway, 
N. C. Robinson. In 1883 the church pat up quite a good frame building 
on the southwest corner of block 2, iu which they held services till Sep- 
tember, 1884, when it was burned. Services were then conducted iu the 
A. M. E. church for some time. In July, 1885, they commenced the- 
erection of a new church on the site of the old one, and got it inclosed 
that fall, although it was not completed till the next year. 

Mound Valley Township. — A Baptist church was organized in the fall 
of 1871, at the home of J. G. Phenix, in the west part of Mound Valley 
township, by Rev. N. L. Davis. This organization was maintained some 
three or four years, when it was disbanded on account of other churches- 
being organized, which drew away the members. 

Wllsonton. — The AVilsonton Baptist church was organized June 5, 1892,. 
with Rev. J. D. Hopper as pastor, and a membership of seven or eight. 

Hackherry church was organized November 26, 1870, iu the residence- 
of Mr. DeGraw, In Hackberry township, by Rev. F. L. Walker. J. B. 
Ellis and Isaac Strickland were elected deacons. Services have ever 
since been maiutaiued iu the Ellis school-house, in District No. 45. Its 
pastors have been F. L. Walker, George Richardsou, William Richard- 
son, C. T. Floyd, George Goodwin, and W. G. Slinker. 

Pleasant Hill church is located on the northwest corner of section 12,. 
in the southeast corner of Hackberry township. It was organized in 
the spring of 1885, by Rev. C. T. Floyd, the membership coming princi- 
pally from the Chetopa church. On May 25, 1885, work commenced ou 
a church building, which was completed, and on Sept. 6 of that year was 
dedicated, by Rev. J. P. Ash. 

Dennis. — In the fall of 1877 Rev. Mr. Garrison held a protracted meet- 
ing iu the school-house in District No. 38, and organized a church. In 
1878 they built a small frame church on the northeast corner of section 
23, but after a time moved it to the southwest quarter of section 24. 
After Dennis was started they moved this building there, where they 
still use it as their house of worship. 

Mound Valley. — J. H. Tibbits, Sarah Tibbits, Milo Hildreth, Samuel 
Guthrey, Judson Wilson, H. W. Savage and Allison Savage constituted 
the first membership of the first Baptist church of Mound Valley, which 
was organized at the home of J. H. Tibbits, three miles south of Mound 



RELIGIOUS ORG.-LVIZATIOiVS. 327 

Vallej', on April 1, 1S71, by Rev. F. L. Walker. On the following day, 
Sunday, Mr. Walker preached at the school-house in the town of Mound 
Valley, at which place services were thereafter held till the completion 
of their church building in 1882. In January, 1880, lots were procured ; 
in February a building committee was appointed, and in September the 
work of building was begun. As the building was mostly erected by 
volunteer work, it was some time in course of construction. It was dedi- 
cated, free of debt, on October 29, 1882. Mr. Walker remained in charge 
of the church for seven years, and was succeeded by Rev. George Good- 
win, who remained about a year, when Rev. G. W. Slinker was called, 
and continued as pastor for seven years, at the close of which Rev. C. T. 
Floyd became pastor. R. R. Coleman, who died in January, 1882, was 
one of tlie efficient workers of the church. In January, 1885, this church 
joined with the Methodists in their building in holding a revival meeting 
under the leadership of Rev. W. H. Hulbert, an evangelist. This was 
one of the most remarkable revivals ever held in the place. The Bap- 
tists realized from it an addition of 52 members. The present member- 
ship of the church is about 60. 

Parsons. — First Baptist Church : In the summer of 1871 Rev. F. L. 
Walker, of Oswego, visited Parsons and held some meetings. Perhaps 
other ministers may also have rendered them some services. A few 
Baptists in that vicinity got together, and even went so far as to com- 
mence the foundation for a church, but they were so few in number and 
so scattered that the enterprise was for a time abandoned. On March 2, 
1873, Rev. Robert Atkinson preached in the Methodist church, and took 
the first steps toward organizing a church at that place. The organiza- 
tion was perfected March 30, 1873, with a membership of twelve, com- 
posed of George, Susan and Emma Everhart, Lettia Rockhold, Isaac 
Neptune, Benjamin F., Martin W., Mary B. and Lizzie Elliott, Ella Hall, 
Alice Scholl, and R. M. Donley. The following officers were then 
elected: Rev. Robert Atkinson, pastor and moderator; R. M. Donley, 
clerk; Mrs. Lettia Rockhold, treasurer; W. P. Scholl, J. B. Stilwell, 
J. R. Bennett, Mrs. Lettia Rockhold, trustees ; J. W. Fee, W. P. Scholl, 
J. B. Stilwell, deacons.— F. L. Walker and Thomas W. Green served as 
pastors till 1874; during that year Elihu Gunu preached for them a 
while, after which the church was inactive till September 1, 1877, when 
it was reorganized by Rev. Mr. Garrison, and a room secured on Forest 
avenue in which meetings were held till the church was erected. — In 
October, 1879, the foundation for the new church was laid, and on Janu- 
ary 31, 1880, the building was occupied. In 1887 the building was en- 
larged and improved, at a cost of over ^3,000, and on February 5, 1888, 
was dedicated by Rev. Robert Atkinson, — The church has had two quite 



328 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

marked revivals, one iu 1884 and the other in 1887. — The following have 
served as pastors: F. M. lams, H. M. Carr, W. H. Irwin, L. J. Dyke, 
A. J. Essex, W. C. Harvey, J. T. Haye, H. M. Carr, C. H. De Wolfe.— 
Several years ago (about 1877 ) a Young People's Society of Christian 
Workers was organized in this church, of which H. F. Hixon \vas elected 
president; Eev. J. T. Hoye, G. H. L. Copeland and T. W. Flitton also 
served as presidents. The name was changed to that of the Baptist 
Young People's Union, and of this Ray L. Hudson is now president. 

Second {or New Hope) Baptist Church.— This church was organized 
by the colored people April 29, 1876, with 13 members. Pvev. Thomas 
Wilson, of Ottawa, and Rev. David Payne, of Humboldt, were the min- 
isters who effected the organization, and Mr. Payne became the first pas- 
tor. A building was erected during the summer of 1876. 

3It. Pleasant BajHist Church is located in Parsons, and is also com- 
posed of colored members. It was organized May 27, 1886, Rev. G. W. 
Parks, of Oswego, acting as moderator, and J. W. Brown secretary. 
W. A. Walton was its first pastor. 

Richland. — A Baptist church was organized in the Richland school- 
house, in District No. 94, in May, 1877. Rev. F. L, Walker preached 
the organization sermon, and Rev. J. L. D. Williams gave the charge to 
the church. Mr. Williams was the first pastor, and served one year. 
Following him the church has been served by George Goodwin, Mr. 
Merry, C. A. Daniels, J. S. Johnson, and W. G. Slinker. — In 1885 a new 
church building was erected on the northwest quartei' of section 26 in 
Canada township. The first service was held therein on November 1, 
1885, and the house was dedicated on December 6, 1885, by Rev. E. 
Estes, of Altamont. 

Edna.— On Feb. 2, 1872, Rev. F. L. Walker, of Oswego, assisted in 
organizing what was then called the Mount Zion Baptist Church. Ser- 
vices were held in the Lieb school-house, in District No. 85, and also in 
other of the school-houses in that part of the county. In the fall of 1883 
work was commenced on a church building in Kingston ; the following 
summer it was finished and dedicated. The town of Kingston having 
been abandoned and the business consolidated with Edna on the comple- 
tion of the railroad, in 1886, this church building was removed to Edna. 

Labette. — Rev. G. W. Richardson commenced preaching in a log cabin 
on section 27, belonging to A. W. Richardson's estate, in the fall of 1867. 
He continued to preach at intervals in that vicinity until the church was 
organized. The organization of the Labette Baptist church took place 
on (or about) July 25, 1870, at the residence of R. K. Jones, with the 
following members : Elder, G. W. Richardson ; R. K. Jones, Martha 
Jones, Victoria Jones, and John Richardson. It was not until 1877 that 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 329 

a house was erected bj' the church. Before that, meetings were held in 
various places, but principally in the hall or school-house. Quite a por- 
tion of the time the church has been without a i)astor. The following is 
a list of those who have served as pastors: G. W. Richardson till 1879, 
J. W. Sage two years, C. T. Floyd six mouths, F. M. Bowman sixteen 
months, C. J. Bowles one year, E. Estes one year, J. T. Crawford two 
months in his vacation. J. W. Jones one year, W. T. Jackson since Feb- 
ruary, 1892. 

Chetopa. — Of the work of the Baptists before the war, Dr. Lisle says: 
"The Baptists had preaching at our school-house occasionally, but had 
no organized church in the neighborhood ; there were several respectable 
members of that church here." The first service of the Baptist denomi- 
nation in Chetopa after the war of which 1 have learned was a sermon 
by Rev. C. A. Bateman, on April 18, 1869; a preliminary meeting of 
those desirous of organizing having been held on April 10, 1869. The 
First Baptist church of Chetopa w^as organized on April 24, 1869, by W. 
A. Clarke, who was Sunday-school missionary of the Baptist Publication 
Society, and C. A. Bateman, the latter of whom at once became its pas- 
tor, in which capacity he served the church till after the dedication of 
its l)uildiug. To his enthusiasm was largely due the rapidity with which 
their building was pushed forward. On February 9, 1870, they com- 
menced work, and on August 14, 1870, their house was dedicated, the 
sermon being preached by Rev. F. M. Ellis, of Lawrence. In Novem- 
ber, 1870, Rev. A. L. Rigby accepted a call to the pastorate of the church, 
and remained two years, during which time the chairs with which the 
church was first seated were removed and good pews put in their place, 
the grounds were fenced, and other improvements made. From the close 
of 1872 on for several years the church was without any regular pastor, 
and consequently suffered very materially in its strength. Mr. Walker, 
of Oswego, gave them some help; in 1874 Rev. W. W. Kane, of Tennes- 
see, preached for them a few^ months, and other ministers occasionally 
gave them some service. In July, 1879, Rev. C. T. Floyd became pas- 
tor, and remained in charge till 18S2. In January, 1883, Rev. William 
Wilbur accepted the pastoral call tendered him, and continued as such 

till September, 1885. In 1887 the church called Elder Knapp, who 

served them one year. Rev. D, AV. Harvey became pastor in 1888, and 
remained two years; Elder AVhite followed him, and is still pastor. 

The Second Baptist Church of Chetopa is composed of colored mem- 
bers. It was organized in 1882, and has a building free from debt. ]t 
has had the following pastors: Jerry Houston, P. Botts, C. T. Tillman, 
A. W. Green, R. Cartwright, J. R. White, Steward, J. A. D. Jen- 
kins, M. C. Cox. S. S. Alexander. 



330 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

German Baptists. — An organization of German Baptists, or Dunkards, 
was formed in the latter part of 1878, at the I.ockard school-house, in 
District No. 28, with a membership of about 125. Meetings since that 
time have been held in various school-houses. Altamont has been rather 
headquarters for the brethren. Among those who have ministered to 
this people have been J. W. Eikenbury, Samuel Renger, Nicholas Trapp, 
J. B. Lear, Simon Long, C. H. Keingley. Sidney Hodgden and Samuel 
Edgcomb have been elders. In November, 1881, Elders Sidney Hodgden 
and Martin Nehr formed an organization in the school-house in District 
No. 21, in Neosho township. In the fall of 1882 some twenty members 
from this organization withdrew and formed a new organization called the 

Brethren. They organized at Pleasant Valley school-house, in District 
No. 48, where they have since been ministered to by Rev. A. J. Hixon. 

The Predestination Bcqjtist Church. — An organization of this denomi- 
nation was formed at the Hawkins school-house, in District 92, about 
1875, by Noah Showalters, who became its pastor, and continued as such 
for several years. T. B. Lee and Isaac McCarty have also been pastors 
of this chnrch presbyteriax. 

In 1873 Rev. J. W. Alexander organized a Cumberland Presbyterian 
church in Harmony Grove school-house, in District No. 30, to which he 
preached for some time, but after a few years it was allowed to lapse. 

Chetopa. — Rev. J. A. Adair was the first United Presbyterian minister 
to preach in the county. He visited Chetopa and vicinity, and preached 
several times in the spring and summer of 18(38. On May 4, 1869, the 
United Presbyterian congregation was organized, with a membership of 
10, Rev. E, C. Cooper preaching, and presiding at the organization. 
Cranston Taylor, J. A. Eudsley and Edwin Johnson were elected elders, 
and were ordained on May 10, 18(59. Mr. Cooper supplied the church 
for some months, and on September 12th held the first communion ser- 
vice. On March 28, 1870, a church meeting was held, and a constitution 
and b5--laws adopted. William Liggett, Robert Phillips, John Haughey, 
Edwin Johnson and T. J. Calvin were elected trustees. On July IS, 

1870, a congregational meeting was held, and action taken looking toward 
the building of a church ; and on Sept. 24, 1870, at another congrega- 
tional meeting, it was resolved to erect a brick building, 36x40 feet. A 
building committee was appointed, and the work commenced at once. 
The building was completed in the spring of 1871, and on October 29, 

1871, it was dedicated, Rev. J. A. Heron preaching the dedicatory ser- 
mon. Before the building was completed the south wall was blown 
down, which added to the cost and extended the time required for com- 
pleting the building. The lots for the church and parsonage were donated 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 331 

by the town company; $1,500 was furnished by the Church Extension 
Society. The church cost about S5,000. — Previous to securing a regular 
pastor, Rev. J. C. McKnight did considerable preaching for the church. 
On January 4, 1871, a call was extended to Rev. W. A. Findley to be- 
come pastor, which he accepted, and continued to serve in that capacity 
till the close of 1873. Some two or three calls for a pastor were extended 
and declined. P'inally, on Dec. 22, 1875, a call was made to Rev. J. D. 
Graham, which was accepted, and he faithfully served the church during 
the next ten years, demitting his charge January 19, 1886. Rev. J. A. 
Thompson was the next pastor called, and he was installed April 27, 
1S86. Rev. J. A. Thompson was the next pastor called, and he was in- 
stalled x\pril 27, 1887, but was released on July 14th following, to accept 
the presidency of a college. Rev. J. P. Gibson, having accepted a call, 
entered upon his pastoral duties in December, 1887, and closed them in 
October, 1889. During his pastorate, in 1888, a parsonage was erected^ 
at a cost of about SI, 300. In 1890 Rev. L. W. Williams became pastor, 
which relation he still holds. The membership of the church is 120 ; the 
total membership since its organization being 274. 

Montana.— ^^\\ Seth T. Smalley, ^Netu School P?-eshi/terian mmister, 
commenced preaching in Montana in 1869, and possibly as early as 1868,. 
and served that people more or less for some time thereafter. In May, 

1869, Rev. D. P. Emerson preached for them, and the next Sunday Rev. 
C. V. Monfort, of Oswego, preached. These were the only Presbyterian 
services at Montana of which I learn, prior to the arrival of Mr. Griffin. 
The Presbyterians in all of this part of the county seem to have been in- 
terested in, if not members of, the church which was formed at Dayton- 
ville, on Willow Branch. In March, 1870, Mr. Monfort commenced 
preaching at the residence of Mr. Martin, west of Labette creek, and 
continued his appointments during the next few weeks. On June 25, 

1870, the Daytonville church was organized, with G. W. AVhite, Margaret 
Ellen White, Margaret Jane White, Jane Amanda White, George Cubbi- 
son, Alexander Cubbisou, Rachel Cubbison, Martha Lewis, James Morn- 
ing, Caroline Morning, members received by letter, and Sarah Ellen 
Hartin, John Henry Hartin, Nancy Shelady, and Louisa Cubbisou, re- 
ceived an examination as members. George Cubbison was chosen chair- 
man, G. W. White and Alexander Cubbison were elected ruling elders, 
and George Cubbison and J. H. Hartin deacons. Their first communion 
service was held November 27, 1870. On May 7, 1871, Mr. Monfort 
preached at the town of Labette, after which a church was organized by 
a union of the Daytonville church and the Presbyterians living around 
Labette and Montana. Mr. Monfort remained pastor of this Labette 
church till his death, on Aug. 10, 1872, at which time the church had 1& 



332 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

members. There seem to have beeu no regular services held after Mr. 
Moufort's death. On March 15, 1874, Rev. C. H. McCreery, of Chetopa, 
and H. W. Strattoii, of Oswego, who had been appointed a committee 
by the presbytery, visited the Piper school-house, in District No. 17. Mr. 
McCreery preached, after which the Labette Presbyterian church w^as 
organized, or, perhaps more properly, reorganized, with the following 
members: James Morning, Charles Morning, John H. Hartin, Matthew 
Lewis, George Morning, George Cubbisou, Louisa Cubbison, Margaret 
Hawkins, Jane Shelady, J. F. Piper, Mrs. E. Piper, Miss P. Piper, Lina 
Piper, Miriam Piper, A. B. Piper, Ray Piper, and Mrs. Mary Bennet. 
James Morning and Ray Piper were elected elders. The place of meet- 
ing w^as then changed to the Morning school-house, in District No. 48, 
where services continued to be held until the erection of the Montana 
church. Evening services were also held at Labette and Montana. At 
the time of organizing above referred to. Rev. S. W. Griffin was elected 
pastor, in which relation he continued till about the close of 1882. Fol- 
lowing him, S. W. LaGrange and W. Price filled the pulpit. For several 
years past the church has been without a pastor. Occasionally the min- 
ister at Oswego or some one else has preached for them. In 1878 a church 
building was erected in Montana, at a cost of about ^1,500. 

Osicego. — Rev. Cornelius V. Monfort was the first Presbyterian minis- 
ter to locate in this county. He came to Oswego in March, 1868, and on 
April 26 preached the first Presbyterian sermon in the place. On June 
30 a meeting was held at his house, at wiiich eight were present, to con- 
sider the organization of a church, and on Sunday, July 25, 1868, an or- 
ganization was effected, with the following eleven members: Cornelius 
V. Monfort and wife S. E. Monfort, Dr. C. M. Gilkey and wife S. M. 
Gilkey and daughter Mary Gilkey, Mrs. R. A. Botsford, John Hutchin- 
i?on, Mary Gaston. Alexander Cubbison and wife Rachel Cubbison, and 
Francis Swanwick. F. Swanwick, C. M. Gilkey and John Hutchinson 
•were elected trustees, and Dr. C. M. Gilkey and Alexander Cubbison 
were elected elders. On Nov. 15, 1868, Dr. Gilkey was ordained elder. 
The church records say the church was organized July 28, 1868, but this 
record as it now exists was probably copied some time after the occur- 
rence, and the party who did it has evidently made a mistake and writ- 
ten the date the 28th instead of the 25th. Col. Swanwick kept a diary, 
which I now have, and under date of July 25, 1868, he says : "Went to 
town to assist in organizing First Presbyterian Church, Old School, of 
Oswego; eleven members present: Dr. Gilkey and Mr. t^ubbison elected 
aiders." On Jan. 31, 1860, Rev. C. H. McCreery was present, and with 
Mr. Monfort held the first communion service. In August Mr. INIonfort 
began taking subscriptions for a church. In July, 1870, I. C. McGinnis 



RELIGIO I 'S OA' GAX/ZA TIOXS. 333 



and Alexander Mackie were made elders and T. N. Sickles and D. Mc- 
Arthur deacons. Mr. Monfort resigned, and preached his farewell ser- 
mon on October 9, 1S70. Kev. S. N. D. Martin supplied the pulpit the 
next year, preaching his first sermon June 4, 1871 ; and he was succeeded 
during the spring or sunmfer of 1873 by Rev. X. A. Rankin. Rev. H. 
W. Siratton filled the pulpit from April, 1873, to January, 1875. Dur- 
ing his pastorate the church erected Its house of worship, at a cost of 
about S4,000, which was dedicated Dec. 28, 1873, by Rev. S. A. Stoddard. 
On June 27, 1879, the house was struck by lightning and one end some- 
what shattered, but still not seriously damaged. A. F. Hale, A. Bixby 
(a Congregationalist), A. A. Trimper (a Lutheran), J. G. Venable, Wil- 
liam Coleman, John Elliott, A. C. Junkin, A. G. Evans, and J. X. Mc- 
Clung, have been its pastors since Mr. Stratton left. 

Y. P. S. C. E. — In the fall of 1886 the young people started a prayer 
meeting, which was kept up until February, 1891, when it was organized 
into the Westminster League, with a membership of 16, and the follow- 
ing officers : President, Margaret Carpenter ; vice-president, Blanche 
Waskey ; secretary and treasurer, Myrtle Stonecipher ; organist, Marie 
Park. On April 7, 1892, this league was changed to a Young People's 
Christian Endeavor, with 18 members, and officers as follows: Lincoln 
J. Allen, president; Belle Holenberg, vice-president; recording secretary, 
Blanche Waskey, corresponding secretary and treasurer, James McClung. 

Edna. — Originally this church was organized as the Ripou Presbyterian 
church. Rev. C. H. McCreery preached at the Ripon school-house, in 
District No. 49. during the summer of 1874, where, ou Nov. 8 of that 
year, assisted by Rev. H. W. Stratton, he organized the church, with a 
membership of 12, of whom James Scott and Thomas H. Bruner were 
elected ruling elders. Mr. McCreery supplied the pulpit till 1881, since 
which time J. N. Young, J. M. Crawford, and J. S. McClung have been 
its pastors. Mr. Crawford served either as pastor or supply from April 
1, 1883, to November, 1889, and again took charge March 1, 1892. In 
the fall of 1878 preparations were made for a church building at the 
town of Kingston, which was erected the following spring, and on June 
8, 1879, was dedicated by Rev. Timothy Hill. In one week thereafter a 
cyclone partly removed the church from its foundation. In 1884 the pres- 
bytery changed the name from Ripon to Kingston. In 1887 the building 
was removed to Edna, and the name changed from Kingston to Edna. 

Altamont. — Rev. C. H. McCreery commenced preaching at the resi- 
dence of D. C. Constant, in Hackberry township, as early as 1870, and 
on June 9, 1871, at that place, assisted by Elam S. Hitchcock and Samuel 
Cellars, organized the Hackberry Presbyterian church, with the follow- 
ing members : Nancy A. Dougham, Margaret S. Blyner, James Emory, 



.334 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

Mary Emory, Jennie Fellows, Michael Noel, Mary Noel, David C. Con- 
stant, Antoinette C. Constant, Josiah Raybourn, Lucretia Kaybourn, 
Mary J. Hannigan. Michael Noel and David C. Constant were elected 
ruling elders. The place of meeting was afterwards changed to the 
Newell school-house, in District No. 71. This church was ministered to 
by C. H. McCreery, C. Y. Monfort, and H. W. Strattou. In April, 1S79, 
the name of Hackberry church was ordered stricken from the roll, and a 
•committee was appointed to organize a new church. The Elston church, 
as successor of the Hackberry church, was organized at the Elston 
school-house, in District No. 80, on June 29, 1879, by Rev. S. W. Griffin 
and Rev. C. H. McCreery. James Paxton and Martin Reamer were 
elected ruling elders. The following year the name was changed to 
Altamont. A church building was erected in Altamont in 1880, Rev. S. 
W. Griffin preaching the first sermon therein on May 16th. It has had 
these pastors: S. W. Griffin, J. N. Young, J. D. Todd, S. W. LeGrange. 
For some years the church has had no pastor, and only supplied irregularly. 

Lake Creek. — Eighteen members of the church at Chetopa took letters 
and united in forming the Lake Creek Presbyterian church, which was 
organized Jan. 6, 1884, by Rev. C. H. McCreery, assisted by E. S. Hitch- 
cock. Arthur Baty w^as elected ruling elder. A church building was 
erected the following spring, at a cost of about ^1,200, which was dedi- 
cated in April, by W. S. H. Keyes. Mr. McCreery had preached at the 
Baty school-house, in District No. (30, for several years before the organ- 
ization of the church. After its organization Rev. J. M. Crawford be- 
came pastor, in April, 1884, and served until November, 1889. From 
April 1, 1890, to April 1, 1891, Rev. J. S. McClung was stated supply. 
Rev. J. S. Griffes supplied the church a part of the time during 1891. 
Rev. J. M. Crawford came March 1, 1892, and is now pastor. Its elders are 
Samuel Cellars, William Buckley, J. L. Goldsmith, and Thomas E. Baty. 

Bartlett. — The first Presbyterian sermon in Bartlett was preached in 
the school-house, Nov. 3, 1889, by Rev. J. M. Crawford. Rev. J. S. 
McCluug preached there occasionally while he had charge of the Lake 
Creek church, and Rev. J. M. Crawford has preached there every two 
weeks since March 1, 1892. As yet the Presbyterians have effected no 
■organization at this point. 

Chetopa. — The First Presbyterian Church of Chetopa was organized 
on Sept. 20, 1868, by Rev. C. H. McCreery, assisted by Rev. James Lewis, 
with the following members : Samuel Cellars, Mrs. Martha Cellars, Mrs. 
Margaret J. Leuhart, Samuel H. Carr, George F. Smith, and Lorenzo 
Billington. Of these, Samuel Cellars and Samuel H. Carr were installed 
as ruling elders. The first trustees were W. Doudna, S. H. Carr, Sanmel 
-Cellars, C. P. Spaulding, and C. P. Smith. For the first two years the 



RELIGIOUS ORGAMZATIONS. 335 



services of the church were held in Spaiilcliiig's Hall, over a saloon, on 
the southeast corner of Third and Walnut streets. The town company 
having donated a number of lots to the church, a part were sold, and 
about $1,000 realized therefrom. Generous subscriptions were also made 
by the citizens, and in the fall of 1869 preparations were made for erect- 
ing a l)uilding, and the work was commenced. On Dec. 1 of that year 
the frame of the building was raised, and by August, 1870, it was entirely 
finished, at a cost of about $4,500. Quite a feature of the financial his- 
tory of this church, as it was more or less of that of many of the churches 
in the county, especially during the early years of their work, was that 
of raising money by festivals. In July, 18G9, this church held one of its 
most successful festivals, at which over $300 was cleared. The church 
was dedicated, free of debt, Aug. 28, 1870, by Rev. Timothy Hill, D.D.— 
One of the noteworthy events in connection with this church is the long- 
continued pastorate of Mr. McCreery, extending from its organization, in 
1808, to May 1, 1886. No other church in the county has had such an 
experience. Before the close of Mr. McCreery's pastorate, his health 
becoming impaired, he took a vacation for a year, during which time the 
pulpit was supplied by Rev. V. M. King. Mr. McCreery was followed 
in July, 1886, by Rev. Isaac Brundage, who served until his death. 
Since then J. L. Griffes has been pastor. — For some time past there has 
been a Y. P. S. C. E., in which the young people have been at work. 

Bethel. — S. W. Griffin and W. B. Truax, being directed by the presby- 
tery so to do, organized a Presbyterian church in the school-house in Dis- 
trict No. — , on Nov. 29, 1892. S. E. W. Brown, James Tenable and J. 
S. Gulick were elected ruling elders, and L. T. McElroy and Monroe 
Mathers deacons. S. W. Griffin acted as pastor till June, 1885, when he 
was succeeded by A. S. Sharpless. 

Mound Valley.— In November, 1879, Rev. C. H. McCreery and S. W. 
Griffin organized a Presbyterian church at Mound Valley, with 10 mem- 
bers. Wm. D. Allen and AVm. Culp were elected ruling elders. S. W. 
Griffin and J. N. Young preached for them. The members having mostly 
moved away in the spring of 1883, the presbytery disorganized the church 
and struck the same from the roll. Rev. J. D. Todd, who had been em- 
ployed by the synod to preach at different points and look after the 
church's interest in vacant fields, came to Mound Yalley and talked with 
several who then or who had formerly held church relations with the 
Presbyterian church, and at his solicitation a meeting w^as held at the 
Methodist church, on March 30, 1884, at which some eight or ten were 
present ; J. C. McEwen presided and Dr. J. Lemon acted as clerk. It 
was there resolved to organize a Presbyterian church at that point as 
soon as arrangements could be made to do so. They adjourned to meet 



336 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

in four weeks, aud on April 37, 1884, Rev. J. D. Todd preached a ser- 
mon ; after wliich Mrs. E. A. Copelantz, Eliza Copelautz, J. C. McEweu, 
Mrs. Olive McEwen, James W. Evans and wife, H. K. Baker, Mrs. Myra 
J. Baker, E. M. Bell, Mrs. J. T. Bell, Dr. J. Lemon, Mrs. A. Lemon, 
Henry Allen, Mrs. Jane Allen, Josie Allen, Mary B. Allen, Robert A. 
Foresmau, Mrs. Jane Forseman, Mrs. Henrietta Foresman, Mrs. Roxanna 
Savage, and Joseph Crawford, presented their credentials, which were 
approved. A third meeting was held at the same place on May 10, 1884, 
at which H. K. Baker was chairman and Henry Allen clerk; whereupon 
it was resolved to proceed with the organization of a church by the elec- 
tion of two ruling elders and two deacons. J. C. McEwen aud Henry 
Allen were chosen as elders and Dr. J. Lemon and H. K. Baker as dea- 
cons. On May 25, 1884, the church was duly organized, by Rev. S. W. 
Griffin, of Cherry vale ; C. H. McCreery, of Chetopa ; and J. D. Todd, of 
Independence, who were sent there as a committee of the Neosho pres- 
bytery. Mr. Griffin preached the sermon, after which the elders and 
deacons were ordained. Arrangements were made for holding services 
in the Baptist church, and Rev. J. D. Todd was employed to preach 
every other Sabbath, in the afternoon. In August, 1884, the church 
bought a building known as Pattison's Hall, which had been built by the 
Methodists as their first house of worship; after they sold it, it was re- 
moved to its present location, in block 23. That fall aud winter the 
building was occupied by a department of the public schools, and by 
the church only on Sunday. In April, 1885, this building was suitably 
fitted up as a place of worship. Mr. Todd closed his labors as pastor on 
May 31, 1885, aud was followed on June 7th by Rev. A. S. Sharpless, 
who stayed till July, 1886. The pulpit remained vacant till October of 
that year, when Rev. J. M. Crawford was employed to preach every two 
weeks in connection with his work at Edna. This continued till March, 

1888, when Mr. Todd again took charge, and continued till Oct. 1 of the 
same year. Little religious life was manifested from this time till April, 

1889, when Rev. J. S. McClung was called to the work, where he re- 
mained till September, 1891. October 15, 1891, Rev. James H. Clark took 
took charge and is still ministering to them. On June 10, 1885, the 
church was incorporated. In 1890 it finished paying for its building aud 
stood clear of debt. From its organization up to the fall of 1891 the 
church had had 86 different communicants, of whom 44 still remained. 

Emmons. — On Jan. 8, 1873, Rev. Mr. Lackey, of Illinois, organized a 
Presbyterian church at the Emmons school-house, in District No. 84. 
James Sweet, Joseph Kearns and Jacob Crane were elected and ordained 
elders, and Alexander Duncan aud Otto Wilson deacons. On March 5, 
1873, Rev. Sidney Allen was installed as pastor. Rev. S. A. Stoddard 



RE Lie, 10 US OR GA NIZA TIONS. 



preaching the iustaHmeut sermou. After an existence of some two years 
the organization was abandoned. 

Parsons. — While a Methodist preacher who came of his own accord 
preceded them, the Presbyterians claim to have sent the first preacher to 
hold services in Parsons. Piev. H. H. Cambern, under the direction of 
the Board of Home Missions, came to Parsons in February, 1871, and 
commenced preaching in a saloon. Mr. Cambern held services fre- 
quently during the spring and summer. 

The First Presbyterian Church of Parsons was organized Sept. 24, 
1S71, by H. H. Cambern as moderator. J. Y. Thornton, J. E. Wilkins 
and J. J. Blause were elected elders. The membership at organization 
was sixteen. In December, 1871, they commenced to take subscription 
for a church building, but ground was not broken till August, 1872. 
The church was completed and dedicated Aug. 2, 1874, by Rev. C. H. 
McCreery. In the meantime Rev. S. F. Farmer was installed as pastor. 
An addition was made to the church in 1882, another one in 1883, and a 
third in 1891. In May, 1872, Rev. J. H. Metier was employed to suc- 
ceed Mr. Cambern as pastor. Since then the following have supplied 
the pulpit, some as supply and others as pastor: Joel Kelsey, S. F. 
Farmer, H. G. Miller, F. R. Morton, W. S. H. Keyes, J. K. Fowler, 

Shields, W. S. Davis, Edward F. Walker, and J. M. Wright. At 

present the church has a membership of about 400. 

In 1882 a Yoimg People's Society was organized for the purpose of 
holding devotional meetings. At different times it had for its president 
Miss Montgomery, E. H. McCreery, F. H. Shaub, AV. H. Martin, Lena 
Yenable, W. J. McKnight, George B. Comings. On September 8, 1892, 
a reorganization of the Young People's Society was had, and formed into 
the Y. P. S. C. E. with George B. Comings as president. 

UNITED BRETHKEN. 

Parsons.— \\\ February, 1868, a class of about ten members was formed 
at the house of James Beaver, some few miles from the present site of 
Parsons, by J. Buckmaster as pastor, James Beaver as class-leader. Rea- 
son Tippie steward, and P. M. Grant elder. Those comprising this class 
were Reason Tippie, Rachel Tippie, N. M. Portrum, C. Portrum, J. Bea- 
ver, J. L. Beaver, A. Pringle, G. Sheckell, G. Botsford, and C. Billings. 
This class was maintained in that part of the county with more or less 
cohesiveness for several years, and formed the basis of the class at 
Parsons, which was organized in February, 1875, with a membership of 
about fifteen, including Abraham Cary and wife, James Beaver and wife, 
N. M. Portrum and wife, Seth Fisher and wife, Lizzie Kellogg, and hav- 
ing J. AV. Gossett for pastor. Jan. 3, 1877, the church provided a lot and 



338 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

moved thereon the tabernacle which they had purchased from the M. E. 
church. They have used it as a house of worship ever since. The church 
flourished quite well until the great division of the church throughout the 
country, in 1885, which has ever since continued to cripple her work. 

Dennis. — In the winter of 1870-71, Rev. Mr. Goodwin, of the United 
Brethren church, held protracted meetings in the log school-house in 
District No. 38, which resulted in several conversions and accessions to 
that denomination. Among these probably the most active in his after- 
work was J. H. Beatty. A church was then organized, which has main- 
tained its work ever since. In the spring of 1883 they built a church 
at Dennis, and in the fall of 1884 the conference of the State held its session 
there. Among its pastors have been Revs. Messrs. Evans, Stallard, Ham- 
mers, Winrick, Gossett, Himer, Chambers, French, Rice, Hammell, Shope. 

AUarnont. — A class was formed in a school house near the southeast 
corner of Labette township, in 1872, which was moved to Altamont in 
1874. It has been maintained but a part of the time. 

Trenton. — A class was organized at the school-house in District No. 67, 
in Howard township, March 31, 1885, with A. Bessy as leader. Services 
continue to be held there. 

Mortimer. — Almost from the first settlement of the county, religious 
services have been held in the Carpenter school-house, in District No. 30 
— sometimes by one denomination and sometimes by another. Of late 
years preaching has occasionally been conducted by ministers of the 
United Brethren church. In the spring of 1891, Rev. Mr. Hammel, of 
this denomination, held a protracted meeting which resulted in the or- 
ganization of quite a strong class. It was soon felt that a church build- 
ing was needed, and the Mortimer family were active in securing its 
erection at the Mortimer station. Its first board of trustees consisted of 
Emanuel Mortimer, James T. Mortimer, J. K. Duncan, T. E. Killian, 
and G. A. Waid. The church cost about $1,000, and was dedicated 
June 5, 1892, by Bishop Castle. 

Hackberry.—lu the fall of 1881 Rev. J. M. Magie, assisted by Rev. 
T. D. Bickham, held a protracted meeting at the Hiatt school-house, in 
District No. 26, and at its close organized a United Brethren class. A 
part of the time since then the preachers who have supplied this class, 
among other appointments, have preached at Pleasant View, Bowman 
and Trenton school-houses; also at Altamont and Parsons. Pastors: 
1883, J. A. Evert; 1884, W. H. Sapp; 1885, S. W. Redman; 1886, Mrs. 
J. M. Magie and J. A. Evert; 1887, D. B. Finch; 1888-89, F. M. Gillett; 
1890, Rev. Mr. Huffman; 1892, D. W. Juday. The following persons 
have served as presiding elders: B. A. Spring, J. R. Chambers, G. H. 
Hinton, C. H. Jones, J. K. Spencer. The following liave been secre- 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 339 

taries of the quarterly couference, each one or more terms : J. M. Magie, 
E. S. Bessy, Anna Riddick, A. H. Mickey. At the last quarterly cou- 
ference in 1891, John Riddick, Christian Helwig, David Romine, Louis 
Zink and A. H. Mickey were elected trustees, and directed to take steps 
to secure the erection of a church building, whicli has since been erected 
on the northwest quarter of section 1 in Hackberry township, at a cost 

of about S800. METHODIST PKOTESTAXT CHUKCH. 

Sometime in the seventies a class of this denomination was formed at 

Parsons, and during its existence had N. K. Shimp and McKesson 

among its ministers. After doing some work, the class became entirely 
disorganized. In 1880 Rev. J. H. Luse held a protracted meeting in the 
southwestern portion of the county, and formed a class or two. A church 
has been erected at Morton station, in the edge of Montgomery county. 
A class has also been organized at Mt. Triumph school-house, in District 
No. G3, in Mound Valley township. Rev. A. Slater and Rev. Abner 
Green, with others, have preached in several places in the county. 

THE METHODIST CHURCH. 

A class of this branch of the great Methodist family was organized at 
the Emmons school-house, in District No. 84, as early as 1873, and was 
maintained for several years, but finally abandoned. The only two min- 
isters they had, so far as I have learned, were Revs. Messrs. VanCleve 
and Wayland. evangelical, church. 

In the winter of 1870-71 Rev. Mr. Mathill held meetings, principally 
in the dwelling-houses of J. H. Dienst and William Dick, in Osage town- 
ship, and organized a church. They continued to have preaching in the 
school-houses in Districts 30 and 79 until 1887, when they erected a 
frame church in Dennis, and all the classes united there. William Dick 
was one of the active workers in this denomination. It has had for pas- 
tors Revs. Messrs. Keiser, Flickinger, Bowers, Fannel, and Stinemitz. 

FIIEE METHODISTS. 

A few classes of this branch of the church have existed in the county 
for quite a number of years. They have been somewhat few in number, 
and have never attempted the erection of any church building, so far as 
I have learned. They have held meetings at various points in school- 
houses. At one time Rev. Thomas D. Bickham, before he started the 
Salvation Church of Christ, was a preacher in this denomination, and 
some time prior to 1880 O. P. Lineback had ministerial oversight for the 

county. AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Farsons.—^^y. A. H. Daniels, of the A. M. E. church, came to La- 
bette county in the spring of 1876, and organized classes at Oswego and 
Parsons. In June of that year he commenced to raise funds with which 



340 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

to build a church at Parsons. Lot 17 iu block 17 was secured as a site 
in July, 187<), and soon thereafter a building was commenced. Messrs. 
French, Cavauaugh and Miller were the first trustees. This and the Os- 
wego church were jointly served by the same pastors for several years. 

Oswego. — The class at this place was organized in the spring of 1S76» 
about the same time as the one at Parsons. The organization was effected 
by Rev. A. H. Daniels, who acted as pastor that year. During the year 
a neat frame church was erected on lot 3, in block 16. A few years 
thereafter a dwelling-house was purchased and moved onto lots 1 and 2 
just north of the church, to be nsed for a parsonage. The pastors of 
the church have been : A. H. Daniels, W. F. Hedgman, L. W. McCor- 
mick, J. W. Walton, J. E. Weir, John Brewer, J. L. Hatton, W. F. 
Hedgman, A. M. Ward, Thomas Mudd, Pompey Johnson, John Boyd, 
J. E. Bricus, S. H. Baker, A. J. King. Their church building has been 
rented by the board of education for several years, in which to hold one 
department of the colored school. 

Chetojm.—ThQ class at this place dates from 1881, and has not main- 
tained services all the time since then. It has a church building. Its 
pastors have been those who were at the same time serving the Oswego 
church, and who are named iu connection with that work. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL, CHURCH SOUTH 

Was the first Protestant denomination to hold religious services in this 
county. Dr. Lisle says : "The first preaching in Chetopa was by an old 
missionary of the Methodist Church South, on or about the first of De- 
cember, 1857, and once every four weeks until spring." The name of 
this preacher was J. P. Barnaby. He was succeeded in October, 1858, 
by Rev. J. E. Bryan, who preached every three weeks during the next 
two years, when he was sent to Council Grove. In the fall of 1860 Mr. 
Foresman succeeded Mr. Bryan and remained a year, when Mr. Bobbins 
was sent to the charge. The latter was in sympathy with the Rebellion, 
and was about to be hung by some Kausas soldiers who caught him in 
Cherokee county. He was let go on condition that he would leave the 
country, which he did, going directly to Texas. This closed the work of 
the church till after the war. Of these services Dr. Lisle says: "The 
preaching was in some settler's house until the school-house was built, iu 
the spring of 1858, when it was in that regularly. ]t being about the 
center of the settlement, gave all parties a chance to attend, which they 
did pretty generally." When the county commenced to settle after the 
war, there were quite a number came who had been members of this 
church in their former homes, but scarcely enough in any one settlement 
to form and maintain a class. In fact, I do not know of the formation 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 341 

of a class at anj- place in the coimty, although there maj- have been some 
formed. However, preachers of that denomination, either local or those 
in charge of work in adjacent territory, occasionally preached at a few 
places in the county. Among the places where they sometimes held ser- 
vices was the log church, between Oswego and Montana. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUKCH. 

Several local preachers of this denomination settled in the county and 
commenced preaching and holding services in their respective localities 
as early as the fall of 1867, and perhaps even earlier in the year. Os- 
wego was the only point at which a class was formed prior to the meet- 
ing of conference on March 30, 1868. At that conference the Oswego 
circuit was formed, embracing all of Labette county, and included in the 
Emporia district, of which Rev. C. R. Rice was presiding elder. The 
work remained a part of the Emporia district the following year also, 
under the charge of Mr. Rice. In March, 1870, the Oswego district was 
organized, including within its limits all of the county, with Rev. C. E. 
Lewis, P. E. The work remained in the Oswego district with the same 
presiding elder until April 1, 1873, when it was placed in the Humboldt 
district, in charge of Rev. A. K. Johnson, P. E. This arrangement con- 
tinued two years. In March, 1875, Parsons was placed in the Fort Scott 
district, where it has ever since remained. At the same time, the Inde- 
pendence district was formed, and all the county except Parsons has ever 
since been in that district. The presiding elders of the Fort Scott district 
have been : 1875-77, D. P. Mitchell ; 1877-81, B. Kelley ; 1881-85, E. C. 
Boaz ; 1885-91, A. G. Robb ; 1891-92, J. E. Brant. The presiding elders 
of the Independence district have been : 1875-79, S. E. Pendleton : 1879, 
D. P. Mitchell; 1880-82, A. T. Burris: 1882-86, Ananias CuUison ; 
1886-90, J. A. Hyden ; 1890-92, S. S. Murphy. 

Oerman. — While there may have been occasional preaching prior to 
that time, the Methodist Episcopal German work was regularly started in 
this county in the spring of 1892, by Rev. John Koehler, who com- 
menced preaching at the Timber Hill appointment. In July, 1892, work 
was commenced on a new church three and a half miles south of Dennis. 
It was finished, and on August 28th was dedicated by their presiding 
«lder, Rev. C. Harriman. At their conference the last of August the 
work in the county was organized into the Parsons circuit, a:nd put in 
charge of John Koehler again. A class was to be formed at Parsons at 
once. 

Osicego.— i:\ie, First Methodist Episcopal Church of Oswego was organ- 
ized March 1, 1868, in the little frame building that then stood at the 
northeast corner of block 33. John Mark, a local preacher living in the 



342 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

township, effected the organization, with 13 members, including himself^ 
as follows : John Mark, wife and daughter, Elisha Hammer and wife, 
John Logan and wife, William Logan and wife, Job Beal and wife^ 
Eliza Elliott, and Marj^ A. Cowell. Mr. Mark had been preaching \\\ 
town for some weeks previous, alternating with Mr. Canfield, Congrega- 
tionalist, Messrs. Richardson and Flourouoy, Baptists, and perhaps 
others. But one service was held in town at a time, all meeting in the 
room above referred to. At the ensuing conference, which convened on 
March 30, 1868, a young man living in what was then known as the 
Labette City settlement, near the mouth of Labette creek, named John 
S. Harryman, was admitted into the conference on trial. All of Labette 
county was formed into the Oswego circuit, and Mr. Harryman was sent 
to it as its first pastor. At the first quarterly conference, which was 
held June 6, 1868, in Read Brothers' hardware store, which was then 
just inclosed, but into which they had not yet moved. Elder Rice ap- 
pointed David Stanfield, a local preacher, as assistant to Mr. Harryman, 
and during the balance of the year the two occupied the field as best 
they could. Since the first year the pastors have been as follows, com- 
mencing after conference in March or April of the year named : 1869, 
Patterson McNutt; 1870, H. W. Conley; 1871, J. E. Bryan; 1872-73, J. 
B. Orwig; 1874, B. C. Swarts ; 1875-76, P. T. Rhodes; 1877, M. L. 
Gates; 1878-79, D. T. Summerville; 1880-81, T. S. Hunt; 1882-84, H. 
McBirney; 1885, J. A. Hyden; 1886-87, J. B. Ford; 1888-90, R. P. 
Hammons ; 1891-92, Ananias Cullison. There have been no records 
preserved of the first year's work, and I have not been able to learn who 
were the officers for that year. J. F. Molesworth was elected recording 
steward for the ensuing year at the fourth quarterly conference, Feb. 6, 
1869. When conference met, the north part of the county in which he 
lived was put into another work ; so that he never served. At the first 
quarterly conference for 1869 A. S. Cory was elected recording steward, 
but only served for that session, and at the second quarterly conference 
the office was declared vacant, and J. Q. Cowell was elected and served 
out the balance of that year. At the fourth quarterly conference for 
that year, held on Dec. 29, 1869, Nelson Case was elected recording 
steward, and by reelections continued to serve till conference in March, 

1879. The following year I. W. Patrick served in that position. At the 
close of that year David Zimmerman was elected, but declined to serve ; 
and at the first quarterly conference for the following year, held May 3, 

1880, Nelson Case was again elected recording steward, which position 
he has held, by annual reelections, since. — At the close of the first year 
the quarterly conference asked the presiding elder to secure a division of 
the work. This was done, and during 1869-70 Oswego and Chetopa, 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 343 

with the iDterveuing territory, coustituted a circuit. This arrangement 
lasted but a year, for at the conference in March, 1870, both Chetopa 
and Oswego were substantially made stations ; each had, a part of the 
time after that, one or two appointments in the county attached to them, 
in which the ministers at these points would preach Sunday afternoons. 
— At the close of the first year the presiding elder reported that a sub- 
scription of 31,500 had been secured with which to build a church at 
Oswego. However, little or nothing came of this subscription. Before 
the close of Mr. McNutt's pastorate he had secured rock to be placed on 
the ground for a foundation, he and Mr. Mark doing a large part of the 
work themselves. When Mr. Conley came, all felt that the first thing 
to do was to secure the erection of a church. During Mr. McNutt's pas- 
torate services were held in Dr. Grouse's building on lot 5 in block 39, 
which was now found inadequate to the demands, and Wells's Hall, near 
the northeast corner of block 32, was rented. Work was commenced on 
the church building early in the summer, and by the middle of summer 
it was inclosed. Services were then held in it in its unfinished condition. 
In the fall the spire was built, the house plastered and seated, and on 
Dec. 18, 1870, it was dedicated by Dr. W. R. Davis. The parsonage 
was built during Mr. Orwig's pastorate. 

Epworth League : On July 24, 1889, an Epworth League was organized 
in connection with this church, with Blanche Case president and Cloe 
McLane secretary. The League has been maintained with a good degree 
of prosperity up to the present. 

The Second M. E. Church is composed of colored members. It was 
organized in April, 1879, and has had the following pastors: Robert 
Rector, W. B. Avery, Daniel Ross, Thomas Allen, M. Bell, J. A. Lee, 
E. Q. Plummer, C. P. Thompson, James J. Cable. Soon after organiz- 
ing, the members bought a two-story store building and moved it to lot 12 
in block 15, the lower room of which they used for a church, and the 
upper part for a parsonage. The building becoming somewhat racked, 
they caused it to be cut down to a one-story building, which they still 
occupy for church purposes. 

Neosho Township. — More or less preachiug in various parts of the 
county was undoubtedly done by the Methodist local preachers who 
settled in the county, of which no account has been preserved. Rev. 
Joseph Rogers was a local preacher who settled in Neosho township in 
the spring of 1867. Very soon after his settlement there, it is said, he 
commenced preaching in private houses in several places. This was the 
first preaching they had in that township. After the school-houses were 
built, more regular services were held in them. Classes were formed at 
the Hopkins school-house, in District No. 62 ; at the New Hope school- 



344 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

house, in District No. 15; at the Lone Elm school-house, in District No. 
21; and perhaps at other points. But in few, if any, of these points 
were permanent classes formed or services held regularly, for many years. 
It may be said that Center Chapel is an outcome of some of this work. 

Center Chapel. — About the year 1878 Rev. C. A. King preached at the 
Franklin school-house, in District No. 55, and organized a class. Soon 
after this it was put with the Labette and Montana work, where it has 
been since. In 1887, under the charge of Rev. J. S. Budd, the chapel 
was built, on the northwest corner of section 19, in Neosho township, 
and dedicated by Rev. Allen Buckner. The building w^as erected on 
mortgaged land, and the mortgagor failing to pay, the mortgage was 
foreclosed, and the land, together with the church, was sold in the sum- 
mer of 1892. It cost the church nearly $500 to redeem their property. 

Montana. — As early as 1868 a class seems to have been formed at 
Montana, with James I^ivesay as class-leader. Preaching was had oc- 
casionally by ministers in charge of neighboring work. In 1871 the 
Montana circuit was formed, and placed in charge of Rev. T. B. Pal- 
mer. From that time on to the present it has been united with Labette 
and has been served by the same ministers, a list of whom is given under 
that head. The church was incorporated Jan. 23, 1892, and soon there- 
after purchased from the Ciiristiau church their house of worship, which 
the Methodists now own and occupy. 

Labette. — The Methodist class at Labette was organized in the spring 
or. summer of 1871, by Rev. T. B. Palmer, who was in charge of the 
Montana circuit. Services were held in the school-house. The next 
year it formed a part of the Parsons circuit, in charge of Rev. J. W. Fox. 
In 1873 this, with Montana, was supplied by Rev. H. W. Conley, and the 
same arrangement continued during 1874. In March, 1875, Rev. J. W. 
Mcintosh was appointed to the Montana and Labette circuit. In 1876 
Rev. P. A. Pearson was appointed, but failed to take charge of the work, 
and it was supplied a part of the year by Rev. Jesse Williams, who was 
again appointed to the work in March, 1877. In March, 1878, the South 
Parsons circuit was organized, and included Labette. Rev. W. B. Poin- 
sett and Rev. A, S. Freed had charge of the work, the former living 
north of Mound Valley and the latter at Montana. In March, 1879, La- 
bette and Montana were cut oft' from the South Parsons circuit and put 
in charge of W. B. Poinsett, who got the people at Labette to purchase 
a house and put on the church lots, which had been donated, for a par- 
sonage, and moved into it, and stayed there for three years. The school- 
house having been blown down, Mr. Poinsett preached for a time in the 
depot, and afterwards in the Baptist church. The same year the church 
was built, and on Oct. 5, 1879, was dedicated by Rev. D. P. Mitchell. 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 345 



During the winter a protracted meeting was held, resulting in quite a 
large number of conversions. In March, 1881, Rev. 1). F. Holtz was 
sent to Labette, and the following year Rev. William Shambaiigh. He 
was followed in 1883 by Rev. C. W. Swarts. The next year Rev. H. J. 
"Walker was appointed, but failed to come ; Rev. J. S. Budd was then ap- 
pointed, and remained for three years from March, 1885. In March, 1888, 
Rev. Salem Hedges was put in charge of the work, and served as pastor 
till March, 1893, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. D. Skaggs. 

Spring Valley. — About 1869 or 1870 an acre of ground was purchased 
on the northwest corner of section 32, in Liberty township, w^hich was 
set out to trees and a cemetery laid out thereon. About 1871 a frame 
store building was purchased and removed to it from Elston. This was 
remodeled into a church. This has formed one of the regular appoint- 
ments of the Labette circuit almost from its organization, although at that 
time it belonged to the Elston circuit and the next year to the Timber 
Hill circuit, both of which were in charge of Rev. R. P. Bukey. 

Stover. — In the fall of 1869 a class w\is formed on Deer creek, in the 
west part of Fairview township, with I. W. Patrick leader, and was ad- 
mitted into the Oswego w^ork. Rev. P. McNutt, pastor, went out there 
occasionally and preached for them. Services were held in a private 
house or a vacant claim house. When the school-house was built in Dis- 
trict No. 29, the class moved to that point, where it has since been main- 
tained. The class was organized at the Stover school-house about the 
last of December, 1869, or first of January, 1870, by Rev. R. P. Bukey. 
E. B. Wheeler was the first to hand in his letter, and George Pfaff was 
the second. For a number of years it was attached to Oswego, but in 
1880 it was made a part of the Labette work. 

Dennis. — This circuit was formed at the conference held in March, 
1885, and J. W. D. Anderson was appointed to the work. However, he 
never took charge of the work, and M. U. Ramsburg was appointed in 
his place. During the year a parsonage w^as secured in the town of Den- 
nis. In March, 1886, P, H. Fisk was placed in charge of the circuit. 
During the next two years the work was divided, a part being united with 
the Galesburg circuit, under the charge of Rev. R. M. Cullison. In March, 
1889, the Dennis circuit was re-formed, and placed in charge of Rev. W. 
T. York. The work embraced the classes at St. Johns, Mt. Zion, Excel- 
sior, Pleasant Hill, Dennis, Moorhead; also, Shiloh, in Neosho county. 
The following year Rev. H. M. Hughes became pastor, but after six 
months' service was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Deaton. Rev. S. W. 
Gamble became pastor in March, 1891, and is still in charge. 

Excelsior. — At an early day a class was formed at the Mt. Triumph 
school-house, in District No. 63. Some few years ago this class was 



34:6 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

moved to the Excelsior scliool-house, iu District No. 88. Here services 
were couducted till about the fall of 1891, when, under the pastorate of 
Kev. S. W. Gamble, a nice frame church 26x48 feet was erected on the 
southwest quarter of section 21, in north Mound Valley township. It 
was dedicated January 17, 1892, by Rev. B. Kelley. During the year the 
oiganization of a Y. P. S. C. E. has been effected. 

Pleasant Hill. — A class was formed a number of years ago at the Pleas- 
ant Hill school-house, in District No. 77, where services were regularly 
held till 1889, when a new church was built, under the pastorate of Rev. 
W. T. York, on the southwest corner of section 30, in Walton township^ 
at a cost of about $!1,200. It was dedicated, free of debt, on Dec. 15, 1889, 
by Rev. J. E. Brant. 

MooreJiead. — A new church was built at this place, just in the edge of 
Neosho county, in 1891. Quite a large portion of the membership lives 
iu Labette county. 

Fletcher Chapel. — This class succeeds one of the oldest classes in the 
county. There were a number of Methodist families among the early 
settlers in the northeast part of Richland township, among them the 
Rice families, the Greens, and Rev. David Stanfield. A class was or- 
ganized, probably as early as April or May, 1868. Arrangements were 
soon made for erecting a building; a site was selected on the east side of 
the east road leading from Oswego to Chetopa, near the northwest cor- 
ner of the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 10, and 
a foundation laid that spring. L. D. Bovee had the contract for putting 
up the building, and had it inclosed that season. A store building at old 
Labette, on section 14, was torn down, and out of the material the church 
was partially constructed; but it was never finished, and the class weak- 
ened rather than gained in strength. However, services were kept up 
and meetings were held in the school-house in District No. 3. The class 
was attached a part of the time to Oswego and a part of the time to 
Chetopa. It was decided to make another attempt to secure a building, 
and in the summer of 1883 a church was commenced, and by fall it was 
inclosed, and so far completed that services were held in it in wn'nter. 
It is located on section 4, in Richland township. It was completed dur- 
ing the spring, and dedicated June 22, 1884, by Rev. F. M. Sisson. 

Chetopa. — This church shares the misfortune of many early enter- 
prises, of having no record of its organization. It is said the first Meth- 
odist sermon in Chetopa, aside from the preaching before the war by 
ministers of the M. E. Church South, was preached in September, 1867, 
in W. H. Reid's home, by Thomas B. Palmer, who carried the mail from 
Osage Mission to Chetopa, and who was also a local preacher. No regu- 
lar preaching was had and no organization was effected till after the 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 347 

appointment of the preacher in 1868. Tradition says the church was 
organized in June, 1868, with thirteen members. Soon after the organ- 
ization a building committee, consisting of James C. Watson, G. W. 
Hoover and D. J. Doolen, was appointed, and had charge of the erection 
of the church building, which was commenced in November, 1868, and 
finished in 1870, the dedication sermon being preached by Rev. Thomas 
Bowman, D.D., on Sept. 4, 1870. In 1868 the church was under the 
charge of Rev. John S. Harryman, of Oswego, who had all of Labette 
county for his circuit. In the spring of 1869 Rev. Patterson McNutt was 
appointed to the joint work of Oswego and Chetopa. In 1870 Chetopa 
was made a station, with Rev. J. W. Lowry as pastor ; he was returned 
in 1871, and was succeeded in the spring of 1872 by Rev. G. W. Pye, 
who also continued two years. The next two years Rev. John Paulson 
was pastor. In March, 1876, Rev. Hugh McBirney became pastor, and 
continued in charge till March, 1879, when Rev. R. M. Scott was ap- 
pointed to the work, and remained till March, 1881. Rev. J. W. Fox 
was then in charge of the work for a year. Rev. A. P. George came in 
March, 1883, and remained till August, 1883. In the following month 
Rev. W. W. Curnutt became pastor, and continued as such till March, 
1886, when he was succeeded by Rev. C. T. Durboraw, who remained 
three years, and was succeeded May 1, 1890, by Rev. W. H. Mulvaney, 
in place of Rev. N. B. Johnson, who had been appointed to the church 
but failed to come. Mr. Mulvaney is still the pastor. — In the fall of 1870 
a parsonage was built on a part of the church lots. In 1886 this parson- 
age was removed, and a new parsonage built in the north part of the 
city. The church was built of stone, and at the time of its dedication 
was considered the finest in the county, it having cost some 86,700. — 
The church has had a number of revivals of marked power. In January, 
1875, November and December, 1884, and the winter of 1885-86, the re- 
vival meetings resulted in large accessions to the church. — Nov. 4, 1889, 
an Epworth League was organized, with J. M. Cavaness as president. 

Second M. E. Church: This organization was formed in 1881, and is- 
composed of colored members. Some few years ago they built a church, 
and have maintained regular services most of the time. Robert Rector, 
W. B. Avery, Andrew Riley, Marion Bell, Thomas Allen, A. J. Lee, E. 
Q. Plummer, C. P. Thompson and A. R. Clarady have served as pastors. 
On Easter Sunday, 1892, a Y. P. S. C. E. was organized by Anna House- 
holder and Ella Higby. The members of the other two colored churches 
in town join in maintaining this society. 

Timber Hill Circuit. — Methodism was organized in the west part of 
the county nearly as soon as there were any settlers there. Joseph Mc- 
Cormick, the first settler in Mound Valley township, was a Methodist,. 



3 J: 8 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

aud his home became the place around which Methodism cUistered. As 
early as 1867 a local preacher by the name of Spaugh preached at Mc- 
Cormick's house. Mr. Claspell writes me that ''this was the first preach- 
ing I heard on Big Hill." In 1868 all of Labette county was embraced 
in the Oswego circuit, in charge of Eev. J. S. Harryman, with Rev. 
David Stanfield as an assistant, the former having been admitted into 
the conference on trial that spring, and the latter being a local preacher. 
Mr. Stanfield moved out into the western part of the county, and preached 
there. In March, 1869, the Westralia circuit was organized, embracing 
parts of Labette and Montgomery counties, and put in charge of Kev. 
J. S. Harryman and Kev. Sheldon Parker. In 1870 the Timber Hill 
circuit was formed, and put in charge of Rev. Sheldon Parker. It em- 
braced all of the western part of Labette county and the eastern part of 
Montgomery. In 1871 Rev. K. P. Bukey was put in charge of this work, 
and stayed two years. Rev. E, M. Bussert, a local preacher, about this 
time commenced to render efficient aid, which has been kept up much of 
the time since. — During these early years (but I have found no one who 
Is able to fix even the year) classes were formed at a number of school- 
houses in Osage and Mound Valley townships, several of which became 
permanent Methodist centers. Of these I may mention Mt. Ziou, in Dis- 
trict No. 36 ; Mt. Triumph, in District No. 63 ; St. John, in District 
No. 76; Harmony Grove, in District No. 30; Pleasant Hill, in District 
No. 77; Maple Grove, in District No. 102. In April, 1873, Rev. J. P. 
Hight was placed on the Timber Hill circuit, and sent back the following 
year. In March, 1875, Rev. W. B. Poinsett was appointed, but on account 
of sickness failed to go, and the charge was united for that year with La- 
bette, under Rev. J. W. Mcintosh. The next two years Rev. W. B. 
Poinsett was in charge, at the end of which time the Timber Hill circuit 
ceased to exist, the most of the appointments being merged in 

The SoutJi Parsons Circuit. — This circuit was formed in March, 1878, 
and put in charge of Rev. W. B. Poinsett and Rev. A . S. Freed. In 
March, 1879, this work was reduced in size and put in charge of Rev. 
S. F. Harriman, who formed some new classes, among them one at 
Mound Valley, and at the end of this year the charge ceased to exist 
under that name. From this time on the classes in the extreme western 
part of the county have generally been in charge of a minister at Cherry- 
vale. In the spring of 1886 a parsonage was built in the Mt. Zion dis- 
trict, and it became the head of the Cherry vale circuit. In 1892 this 
parsonage was sold, and the proceeds are to be applied toward the erec- 
tion of a new church in the near future. 

3Iound Valley. — The Methodist class at Mound Valley was organized 
in the simimer of 1879, bv Rev. S. F. Harriman, who was then in charge 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 349 

of the South Parsons circuit. About ten members composed the class at 
the time of its organization. In March, 1880, the Mound Valley circuit 
was organized, and put in charge of Rev. E. A. Graham, who continued 
on the work for three years. He in that time built three churches, doing 
a large part of the work with his own hands. The parsonage was bnilt, 
and occupied in the fall of 1879 by Mr. Harryman. In the spring of 
1880 a small church was completed on the southeast corner of block 15, 
and dedicated, free from debt, by Kev. A. T. Burris, at a cost of about 
$1,200. In March, 1883, Mr. Graham was succeeded by Rev. Isaac Hill, 
who was followed the next spring by Rev. C. E. Creager; he remained 
two years. The first year of his pastorate the old church property was 
sold, and other lots secured in block 10, lying just south of the railroad 
track, and on these a fine new church was erected, and on Oct. 13, 1884, 
was dedicated by Rev. J. B. Ford. During the following winter union 
meetiugs were held, under the direction of W. H. Hurlbut, an evangelist, 
and resulted in a great revival. W. T. Freeland was appointed to the 
work in March, 1886, and stayed two years, during which time the old 
parsonage was sold, and a new one built by the side of the new church, 
and accepted Jiily 6, 1887. In March, 1888, Rev. W. W. Curnutt was 
sent to the work, and died just at the close of his first year's services 
there. The next year Rev. J. B. Gibson came ; and the next, Rev. W. 
T. York. The latter did the church a good service in raising the money 
to pay off the indebtedness, which had been a great burden to it. In 
March, 1891, Rev. "R. M. Cullison was put in charge of the work, and 
returned to it in March, 1893. — An Epworth League was organized about 
Nov. 1, 1891, with Rev. R. M. Cullison president, Minnie Wallis fir^t 
vice-president, William Cruzan second vice-president, Xellie O'Brien 
third vice-president, Eva Sanders secretary, Edgar Simpson treasurer. 

Bell Mound. — An M. E. class has been maintained at the school-house 
in District No. 99 for several years, and has usually been supplied wiih 
preaching by the ministers in charge of the Liberty work. 

Hopeicell. — In December, 1871, Rev. J. P. Hight, a local preacher, held 
a protracted meeting in the dwelling-house of James Beggs, which re- 
sulted in several conversions, and at its close, on January 5, 1873, a class 
was formed, which thereafter took the name of Hopewell. Meetings 
were held in private houses till the completion of the Henderson school- 
house, in District No. 83, in the fall of that year, where the meetiugs 
were thereafter held till the completion of their church. This class 
formed a part of the Timber Hill and South Parsons circuits, and was 
ministered to by the preachers in charge of those works, till the forma- 
tion of the Mound Valley circuit, in the spring of 1880, when it was put 
into that circuit. Since then it has formed a part of either that or the 



350 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

Altamont circuit, most of the time, however, with Moimd Valley. In 1882, 
under charge of Rev. E. A. Graham, a neat church was built on the south- 
east corner of section 18, township 33, range 19. There were several 
other classes in the neighborhood, which now form a part of this church. 

Altamont. — The town of Elston having been started in the summer of 
1869, a Methodist class was formed there in the fall of that year, and ad- 
mitted into the Oswego work in charge of Rev. P. McNutt, pastor. H. 
N. Brooks, a local preacher, and E. M. Bussart, an exhorter, were mem- 
bers of this class. At the conference in March, 1870, the Elston circuit 
was formed and put in charge of Rev. R. P. Bukey, who formed classes 
at a number of places in the central part of the county. At the end of 
one year this circuit was broken up and the work combined with other 
circuits. Classes were maintained most of the time in several school- 
houses in Labette and Mount Pleasant townships. This work preceded 
the organization of the class at Altamont when that town started. Prior 
to 1885 Altamont formed a part of the Mound Valley circuit. The class 
at this place was organized with ten members, on June 19, 1881, in the 
Presbyterian church, by Rev. E. A. Graham, who on that occasion 
preached the first Methodist sermon in the place. In the fall of 1882 
and spring of 1883, Mr. Graham built, largely with his own hands, the 
church, which, on July 15, 1883, was dedicated, by Rev. H. McBirney, 
free of debt with the exception of a small loan obtained from the Church 
Extension Society. Rev. Isaac Hill, in 1883, and Rev. C. E. Creager, in 
1884, being in charge of the Mound Valley circuit, also preached here. 
At the conference in March, 1885, the Altamont circuit was formed and 
placed in charge of Rev. H. R. Volmer ; he was reappointed the next 
year, but his health failed, and he resigned in December, 1886. In 1885 
a parsonage was built, at a cost of about $400. In January and Febru- 
ary, 1886, a revival meeting resulted in the church receiving about 75 ac- 
cessions to its membership. Rev. A. C. Bennett was appointed in 1887, 
Rev. W. H. McVeigh in 1888, and Rev. John P. Slaughter in 1889. The 
latter, desiring to go to school, resigned the work. In March, 1890, Rev. 
J. D. Skaggs was appointed to the circuit, and reappointed the following 
year. Rev. W. T. York has been serving the church since March, 1892. 
Connected with this work are appointments at several school-houses in 
the adjoining townships. — An Epworth League was organized April 26, 
1893, of which the pastor has been president all of the time. 

Angola. — A church at this point was incorporated in December, 1892, 
and work was commenced on the foundation for a new building. The 
class to be formed at this point w' ill be composed of two or three classes 
heretofore located in neighboring school-houses. 

Elm Orove Circuit. — In 1872 the southwest part of the county had 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 35 1 

settled to such au extent, and there was such a call for preaching and 
the organization of Methodist classes, that the presiding elder appointed 
Thomas Siimmerfield, a local preacher living in Elm Grove township, to 
supply these points with preaching. During this time a number of classes 
were formed. In March, 1873, the southwest part of the county was 
organized into a work called the Elm Grove circuit, and Rev. Thomas 
Moffat was appointed preacher in charge ; the next year he was also sent 
as a supply on the same work. During his ministry there was au exten- 
sive revival. In 1875 Rev. George W. Rigby was sent to the work, and 
stayed two j^ears. In March, 1877, Rev. J. M. Boon took charge of the 
work, and was returned again the next year, but got into trouble during 
the year and was suspended. He held protracted meetings at several points, 
which resulted in many conversions. In September, 1878, Rev. Z. B. 
Hitchcock had charge of the circuit, and was returned in the spring of 
1879. At the next conference, in 18 SO, the name was changed to that of 

The Edna Circuit, and Rev. C. W. Swartz was put in charge. In 
March, 1881, Rev. Azor McDole was sent here, and continued to August, 
1883, when he started to E^'anston to school, and was succeeded by Rev. 
Salem Hedges, who stayed till March, 1885, at which time Rev. A. S. 
Freed was appointed, and stayed two years. The two years following. 
Rev. E. A. Grabeal was in charge. In March, 1889, Rev. Henry Carlyon 
was appointed, and the next spring Rev. L. N. B. Anderson. He re- 
mained but part of the year, and was succeeded by Rev. H. V. Spears, 
who was in March, 1891, again sent to the work, and was followed by Rev. 
J. H. Hubbard, in March, 1892. In the fall of 1882 a building was begun, 
and inclosed so that services were held in it that winter. It was not com- 
pleted until 1883, and was dedicated about Nov. 1 by Rev. A. Cullison. 

Vakda. — Methodist classes had been organized and maintained for sev- 
eral years in the "seventies" in a number of the school-houses in the 
southwestern part of the county, among them the Blackford school-house. 
District No. 6 ; in the Trenton school-house. District No. 67 : and in the 
Snow Hill school-house, District No. 35 ; and perhaps in one or two more. 
A class was formed in the Dresser school-house. District No. 51, in 1878, 
and kept up there until the town of Valeda was started and the Congre- 
gational church moved there, in the fall of 1886. The class was then re- 
moved to Valeda, and the services held in the Congregational church. 
All the classes that had been held in that vicinity were now united in 
this one appointment. This class belongs to the Edna work, and a list 
of the pastors will be found given under that church. 

Cecil. — In the summer of 1882 Rev. A. P. George, then in charge of 
the Methodist church at Chetopa, commenced preaching at the Liggett 
school-house, in District No. 87. and soon formed a Methodist class. Ar- 



352 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

rangements were made with J. L. Joues to secure ground on the north- 
west corner of section 5, township 35, Hacl^:berry township, for a church 
and cemetery. On October 11, 1883, the ground was formally accepted. 
On November 18, 1882, the corner-stone was laid, the address being 
made by Nelson Case. The work on the building, which was of stone, 
was pushed as rapidly as those interested could get the material upon the 
ground, so that by April 24, 1883, it was inclosed, and on that day Mr. 
George preached the first sermon within its walls. At the conference in 
March, 1883, the Cecil work was formed, and placed in charge of Rev. 
H. R. Yolmer, who was reappointed to the charge in 1884. On May 13, 
1883, just after the services had closed and the people had reached home, 
a cyclone came up from the southwest, and blew the church to atoms. 
The roof was carried about half a mile, the organ and table were crushed 
to splinters; the Bible lay upon a box which had been used for a pulpit, 
and after the storm was found just as it had been left, entirely unharmed. 
Steps were at once taken to rebuild; this time, however, a frame instead 
of a stone building. On August 19, 1883, the first sermon was preached 
in this new structure, by the pastor. It was dedicated (about September 
1, 1883) by Rev. A. Cullison. On July 2, 1884, another storm passed 
over that section ; the church was struck by lightning, and also torn to 
atoms by the wind. Some money was realized from insurance, and the 
brethren for a third time started to erect a church edifice. It was com- 
menced in October, 1884, and finished during the winter, and on Feb. 22. 
1885, was dedicated by the presiding elder, Rev. A. Cullison. At the 
conference the following month Rev. J. B. Seiss was appointed to suc- 
ceed Mr. Volmer on this work. Since then this point has formed a part 
of the Edna circuit, and has been supplied with preaching from the niin- 
ters in charge, a list of whom will be found in connection with that work. 
Bartlett. — The class at this place, while one of the newest in the 
county, may still, not inappropriately, be said to be one of the oldest. 
In the report of Rev. P. McNutt, pastor at Oswego, to the quarterly con- 
ference held at Oswego, May 15, 1869, I find the following : " On May 9th 
I organized another [class] at Hackberry." "I have been on Hackberry 
but once; found a very intelligent, wide-awake people there. I organ- 
ized a class of 10, with Bro. William Payne as leader, and have great 
hopes of soon seeing a flourishing society there." I learn that this class 
was organized at the house of Mr. Horace Horton, on the southeast quar- 
ter of section 27, in Hackberry township. Among the 10 members who 
were taken into the class at its organization were Wm. H. Payne and 
wife Louisa, Samuel McMillen and wife Margaret, Thomas F. Weaver, 
George W. Jenkins. Mr. McXutt preached frequently during the year, 
and Thomas Summerfield, a local preacher, also preached for them more 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 353 

or less during the next j-ear or two. Preaching, prayer meetings and 
class meetings were held in a number of houses in the neighborhood — 
at the home of H. D. Knight, on section 33, as much, perhaps, as at any 
place. This class became a part of the Elm Grove circuit when it was 
organized. The class met for a time at the Lockard school-house, in 
District No. 28, and then at the Bishop school-house, in District No. 7. 
Preaching and class services were maintained at both of these places, 
sometimes at one and sometimes at the other, with a good degree of reg- 
ularity, until the spring or summer of 1888, when regular services were 
abandoned at these points and the class was removed to Bartlett, where 
services were held in the school-house, and Edith Dorland was appointed 
class-leader. Sept. 1, 1892, work began on a new church building, which 
is now being erected. So far, no denominational Sunday school has been 
started at this place : all have taken part in the union school. 

Parsons. — First Methodist Episcopal Church of Parsons : Methodism 
in Parsons does not know the date of its birth. The first religious ser- 
vices on the present site of Parsons were held in the summer of 1870, in 
Abraham Gary's log house on the northwest quarter of section 18, by 
A. W. King, a local preacher from Osage township. Mr. King continued 
to preach there every two or three weeks during the summer and fall. 
The town having been started in November, a number of buildings were 
on the ground by December. Among these was a two-story frame stand- 
ing on lot 32, block 25, next to the southeast corner of the block, the 
lower part of which was occupied by Charles Hazard with a saloon. In 
the room over this saloon, on the evening of Dec. 1.5, 1870, Mr. King 
preached the first Methodist sermon that was delivered in the town of 
Parsons ; it was also the first sermon preached in Parsons by any minis- 
ter. In March, 1871, Rev. G. W. Pye was appointed to the New Chicago 
(now Chanute) work, with the understanding that he should also visit 
Parsons and preach occasionally. During the spring he visited Parsons, 
preached, organized a class, and commenced the first regular Methodist 
work done at this point. During the year he came about every two 
weeks. Services w^ere first held in w^hat was known as Hewes's Ilall, on 
Forest avenue. During the spring Cary's Hall, on the nortliwest corner 
of block 42, where the opera house now stands, w-as built, and the upper 
story seated by the Methodists and Presbyterians, in which to hold ser- 
vices. In this room, in the month of May, 1871, the Methodist class was 
organized. Adam Gebert was the first to give his name and his hand to 
the pastor, Kev. G. W. Pye, and Abraham Gary was the second. At the 
conference in March, 1872, Rev. J. W. Fox was sent to the Parsons cir- 
cuit, which included, besides Parsons, Montana, Spring Valley and La- 
— 23 



354 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

bette City appointments. His salary was estimated at $800, and he was 
paid about $600, At the first quarterly conference, on April 6, 1872, a 
building committee was appointed; which committee, on April 27th, 
adopted plans and specifications for a church building, and at once ad- 
vertised for bids. On May 8th the bids w^ere opened, and the contract 
awarded at $4,753. But, owing to the pressing needs of the settlers and 
the financial distress generally prevailing, a meeting of the committee 
was held on June 10th, and it was decided to indefinitely postpone the 
project of building. In the fall of 1873 a small building denominated a 
"tabernacle" was erected on the site of the present church, at a cost of 
about $700. These lots were donated to the church by the town com- 
pany. The tabernacle was dedicated Nov, 3, 1872, by Rev. H. D. Fisher. 
In this building the church services were conducted until the fall of 1876, 
when it was sold to the United Brethren and removed from the lots on 
which it was built. In March, 1873, Rev. C. R. Rice was sent to the 
w^ork, and early in the year built a small parsonage in block 47, at a cost 
of about $300, Services were held quite irregularly, on account of the 
inability of the church to support the pastor, and in December he re- 
moved his family to Emporia and supported them with his own labors, 
having received less tlian $200 from the church during the year. Not- 
withstanding all this, Mr. Rice did some very efficient work. Rev, Peter 
DeClark was the next pastor. He arrived from the East in April, 1874. 
Small-pox, grasshoppers and hard times were too much for him, and in 
July he resigned the work. He was followed in November by Rev. Boyd 
Lowe, who was returned to the work in 1875, and for his services re- 
ceived all that was promised, viz., $500 — the first experience of the kind 
the church had had. In 1876 Rev. J, F, Boone was in charge of the 
work, and in March, 1877, Rev. C. A, King came, and remained three 
years. The tabernacle having been sold the previous fall, services had 
to be held in halls, vacant store-rooms, and such places as could be se- 
cured. This made the church see the importance of building a house, 
and the pastor proceeded at once to take steps for its accomplishment. 
On Nov. 5, 1877, the corner-stone of the present church edifice, on the 
southeast corner of block 42, was laid by the Masons. The foundation 
was completed, and covered during the winter, and work resumed in the 
spring. In the fall of 1878 the church was inclosed, and opened for ser- 
vices by Bishop Bowman. An extensive revival followed. In March, 
1880, Rev. M. H, Wilson was appointed to the work. His ways were 
not congenial to the membership, and after six months' trial he was 
allowed to depart, and was followed for the balance of the year by Rev. 
C. E. McClintock. In 1881 Rev. G. W. Pye was returned to the work, 
and in March, 1882, Rev, H. W. Chaffee came. The church and pastor 



RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS. 355 



were mutually satisfied with each other, and he remained till 1885, when, 
under the limitation, a change was required. During his pastorate the 
church, which since its erection had been occupied in an unfurnished 
•condition, was completed and furnished, and on Feb. 22, 1885, dedicated 
by Rev. E. C. Boaz. In March, 1885, Rev. H. A. Tucker became pastor, 
and continued as such for three years. The following three years, com- 
mencing with March, 1888, Rev. J. E. Brant was pastor. Rev. R. P. Ham- 
mons, the present pastor, was appointed to the charge in March, 1891. 

Young People's Societies : In the fall of 1881 the young people of the 
church organized the Aftermath Society, and elected as its officers Mrs. 
Frank Curtis president, Bell Letton secretary, and Thomas Clark treas- 
urer. Under its management the first young people's prayer meeting of 
the church was organized. It did much toward encouraging the social 
life of the church, and was also of material assistance in its financial 
management. This society was succeeded by the Adelphian Society, 
which was organized March 1, 1887, with W. J. Wirt president, Miss 
Frankie Reed and Miss Bertha Kaysing vice-presidents, Mertie Shannon 
secretary, Chas. Nordyke treasurer. This society did much toward help- 
ing in literary and normal work. In the spring of 1889 it reorganized as 
the Young People's M. E. Union, with Maggie Elliott president, P. W. 
Blake vice-president, Jennie Martin secretary, A. D. Lucas treasurer. 

Epworth League : Haven Chapter of Ep worth League was organized 
Dec. 10, 1889, with Rev. J. E. Brant president, T. R. Breese, Will J. 
Wirt, Miss Jennie S. Martin, J. T. Tendrum. vice-presidents, Maggie S. 
Elliott secretary, John W. Sleigley treasurer, and a membership of 17; 
this has now increased to a membership of 140. All departments of the 
work are well in charge, and it has been a great help in the general work 
of the church. 



THE SETTLEES' CONTEST FOE THEIE 
HOMES. 



The coDtest of the settlers on the Osage Ceded Lauds to secure titles 
to their homes was one of the most heroic struggles that has ever been 
made. Considering the number of parties interested, the extent and 
value of the subject-matter of the contest, the apparently grossly dis- 
proportionate strength of the two contestants, the length of time to 
which the contest was protracted before a final decision was reached, 
one will scarcely find In the annals of history an instance where the de- 
votion to the principle involved, the ability displayed in working up and 
managing the contest, the victory achieved, was as marked as was that of 
the settlers on the Osage Ceded Lauds in contesting with the railroad 
companies the right to secure from the Government a title to their homes. 
At the outset everything seemed to be in favor of the railroad companies 
— at the close they had not as much as a solitary thread left to fling forth 
as a banner denoting their success in the fight. When the contest com- 
menced, on the side of the corporations we find the Secretary of the 
Interior, standing as head of the Land Department of the General Gov- 
ernment ; coming to his aid a little later the Attorney General of the 
United States ; through their decision, patents from the United States 
signed by President Grant, conveying the legal title to all these lands to 
the corporations; the open treasury of two powerful corporations, by 
means of which they were enabled to command the best legal talent of 
the country, and whatever else they needed that could be procured by 
money; the prospect of securing 800,000 acres of land through the nego- 
tiation of the infamous Sturges treaty, by means of which it was hoped 
that unscrupulous legislators and Government officials could be corrupted 
to support the common cause of the several companies to secure from the 
General Government a recognition of the claims of each in these trust 
and ceded lands, to the robbery alike of the school fund and the actual 
settlers; almost the entire press of the country; and, what may possibly 
be regarded as one of their strongest supports, a very general local feel- 
ing that it was inexpedient to do anything that looked unfriendly to the 
railroads, the speedy construction of which into each community they 
especially desired, and the general favor of which they eagerly courted. 

(356) 



THE SETTLERS' CONTEST. 357 

As opposed to this there were several hundred settlers scattered over two 
counties 25 by 50 miles in extent, most of whom had scarcely enough 
means to furnish their homes with anything like the comforts of life and 
provide sufficieiit teams and tools to cultivate their farms. They had 
come here from nearly every State in the Union; had no acquaintance 
with each other; were unfamiliar with public business; were distrustful 
of themselves, and more so of those in whose hands they were asked to 
place their interests ; were slow to take the little means they had, all of 
which was needed to procure the actual necessities of life, and put it into 
a general fund to fee lawyers to prosecute a case which they heard on 
every hand was a hopeless one. With these surroundings and these 
prospects before the parties respectively, the settlers' contest opened. 
The corporations looked out upon a prospect full of sunlight and cheer: 
the settlers' vision was obscured by clouds, and mist, and apparently ap- 
proaching disaster. 

PRELIMINARY STEPS IN THE CONTEST. 

In the negotiation of the treaty wiih the Osages, on Sept. 29, 1865, the 
settlers then on the lands for the purchase of which provision was made 
in the treaty felt sure of being able to purchase their lands at 81.25 per 
acre. The news of the negotiation of the treaty was spread through the 
country, and largely on the strength of it settlers came upon these lands 
very rapidly. The failure to secure the ratification of the treaty for so 
long a time, and after its negotiation the further failure of Congress to 
make any provision for obtaining title, caused the settlers to become un- 
easy. Their rights on the land were much discussed among themselves 
during 1866 and 1867. It was not, however, until August, 1867, that any 
definite action was taken by them to induce legislation looking toward 
granting them relief. A few parties residing in Neosho county conceived 
the idea of making some demonstration, and got together as many of the 
settlers as they could at Canville trading-post, in August, 1867. At this 
meeting it was decided to petition Congress to pass a bill to secure the 
Tights of the settlers, and to allow them to purchase their lands. A com- 
mittee consisting of J. M. Bemis, T. C. Cory, D. T. Mitchell and John 
Johnson was appointed to prepare a petition, get signatures thereto, and 
forward to Congress. Immediately upon the adjournment of the meet- 
ing the committee prepared the petition, and, deeming it unnecessary to 
travel all over the country to secure the signatures of men who were 
known to be in favor of what they were asking, the committee took the 
liberty to attach to it the names of all the settlers on these lauds, so far 
as they were known or could be ascertained. Most of the night having 
been spent in that work, they had by morning a petition of quite consid- 



358 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

erable length, which was at once forwarded to Congressman George W. 
Julian, of Indiana, who was a personal friend of Colonel Mitchell, of the 
committee. Subsequently other meetings were held, and it was decided 
to send delegates to Washington to influence Congressional action in be- 
half of the settlers. Some money was raised, and Hon. Solomon Markham 
was sent to represent the settlers' interest. In the spring and early sum- 
mer of 1868, a newspaper having been established in each of the two- 
counties, the settlers' cause began to be discussed through the press. Id 
the summer of 1868 conventions were held in Labette and Neosho coun- 
ties, at which delegates were elected to a joint convention to be held at 
Fort Roach, or Ladore, on September 14th. This meeting organized by 
electing Joseph McCormick of Labette county chairman, and J. H. Scott 
secretary. Owing to a misunderstanding as to the time of meeting, it 
was voted to adjourn to the 36th inst. On the day last named the meet- 
ing was held, with a full attendance from both counties. In the mean- 
time steps had been taken to secure funds to carry on the work, and 
reports of success were made at this meeting. It was decided to again 
send a delegate to Washington, and Judge Solomon Markham, who had 
represented them at the previous session, was again selected as their 
agent. This selection was not entirely satisfactory to all of the settlers,^ 
and especially to those in Labette county, and a convention was held at 
Oswego, December 26th, at which Col. Willoughby Doudna was selected 
as the special agent of the settlers of this county to go to Washington. 
Both Judge Markham and Col. Doudna spent the winter in Washington,, 
and helped to secure the passage of the law giving the settlers the right 
to purchase their homes. 

The treaty provided that those who were already upon the land should 
have a right to purchase a quarter-section at SI. 35 an acre. Under this 
provision it is said that 143 settlers in the two counties took title to their 
homes. All of those who went on the land subsequent to Sept. 29, 1865, 
were dependent upon future litigation for their rights to secure title. The 
settlers' efforts were first directed to securing the attention of Congress, 
but their most serious contest was in procuring a construction of the law 
by the courts in opposition to the construction that had been placed upon 
it by the Land Department of the General Government. 

SETTLERS' MEETINGS. 

A notable feature of the contest carried on by the settlers was the im- 
mense meetings which they held in various parts of the two counties for 
the purpose of awakening an interest and creating enthusiasm in the 
members. The first of these meetings which may be called their great 
ones was held at Jacksonville, on July 28th and 29th, 1869. This meet- 



THE SETTLERS' CONTEST. 



iug was really called in the interest of the settlers on the Cherokee Neu- 
tral Lands to protest against the Joy purchase and in favor of the rights 
of the settlers on those lands to purchase them from the Government ; 
but it was attended as largely by the citizens on the Osage Ceded Lands 
as by those on the Joy lands, and was turned into a meeting in the in- 
terest of both. The Oswego brass band was present and furnished the 
music. Congressman Sidney Clarke and John Speer made a trip from 
Lawrence in a lumber wagon, taking in Major H. C. Whitney at Hum- 
boldt; they were of course doing a great deal of political work as well as 
looking after the settlers' interests ; all of them made speeches. Fully 
3,000 people from the four counties were present, and were electrified as 
only such a crowd can be when their homes are in peril and measures for 
their security are being discussed. Two sets of resolutions were adopted : 
one by the settlers on the Joy lands, and another by the settlers on the 
Osage Ceded Lands. At night Senator Pomeroy was hung in effigy, and 
his actions, which were believed to be inimical to the settlers' interests, 
were severely denounced. 

From this time on, the cause of the settlers on the Osage Ceded Lands 
had a popularity which it had not before that enjoyed. Another meet- 
ing was called, to be held at Jacksonville, on Sept. 15, 1869. This was 
very much less satisfactory in its results ; but seven persons were pres- 
ent; one of these was Major Whitney. The report of this meeting 
which went out did not give the numbers attending, and it had in the 
eye of the public an air of respectability. Nothing was accomplished 
excepting the call for a series of meetings to be held the first two weeks 
in October throughout Neosho and Labette counties, and the appointment 
of a committee, consisting of H. C. Whitney, T. C. Cory, and J. S. 
Waters, to prepare an address to be published not later than October 1st. 
If any of the meetings provided for at this time were held they were 
but small affairs, and made little impression. The next great meeting 
of the settlers was at Ladore on July 4, 1870. J. F. Bellamy, H. C. 
Whitney and John Speer made speeches. On the following day the 
settlers formed their protective association. On Sept. 26, 1870, in com- 
pliance with an appointment made by the association on August 26th, a 
convention of the settlers was held at Prairie du Chien for the purpose 
of nominating a Senator for the Sixteenth Senatorial district. Major H. 
C. Whitney was unanimously nominated for the position. Provision was 
at the same time made for holding meetings at Ladore on Sept. 6th, at 
Jacksonville on the 9th, and at Erie on the 10th. At the Ladore meet- 
ing, after addresses by Major Whitney and Judge Markham, the follow- 
ing platform was adopted : 

"Whereas, We, the settlers on the Osage Ceded Lands, in the State of 



360 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

Kansas, believe that imder the treatj^ by which the said lands were ceded 
to the United States, and under the joint resolutions of Congress, April 10, 
1S69, actual settlers were entitled to purchase any part of said lands in 
tracts not to exceed 160 acres, at $1.25 per acre, and that no corporation 
has acquired any vested rights therein ; and whereas, certain railroad 
corporations are claiming certain portions of said lands : now, therefore, 

''Resolved, 1. That we will proceed at once to test the validity of said 
claims, by instituting legal proceedings in the proper courts. 

"2. That we respectfully request the Governor of our State to with- 
hold all patents from said corporations for said lands until the termina- 
tion of said proceedings. 

"3. That we will support no candidate for county and legislative offices 
who is not thoroughly identified with the settlers and in sympathy with 
their cause." 

At the Erie meeting G. W. McMillen was chairman, and M. H. Sheldon 
secretary ; and in addition to hearing speeches, nominations were made 
for nearly a full set of officers for Neosho county. 

On May 1, 1871, a meeting was held at Oswego, at which Hon. William 
Lawrence spoke and gave an exhaustive legal discussion of the settlers" 
rights. On July 12, 1873, the largest meeting which had ever then been 
held by the settlers was had at Thayer. There were 765 wagons filled 
with people in the procession, and a vast number on horseback. It was 
estimated that from eight to ten thousand persons were in attendance. 
Speeches were made by Gov. Shannon, Congressman Clarke, Judge Mc- 
Comas, Milton W. Reynolds, W. L. Simons, and others. This was fol- 
lowed on October 1st by another immense meeting at Osage Mission, at 
which Gov. Osborn, Sidney Clarke, Stephen A. Cobb, D. R. Anthony, 
M. J. Salter, Judge McComas and J. H. Crichton spoke. On May 27, 
1874, another great gathering \vas had, at Parsons. M. J. Salter was 
chairman, and F. B. McGill secretary. Gov. Osborn, George R. Peck, 
Sidney Clarke and Judge McComas spoke. Besides these great meetings 
which I have named, during these years innumerable local meetings were 
held, some of them of scarcely less importance than those named. Their 
effect was to keep the settlers' interest at fever heat, and to cause them 
to demand of their officials the exertion of every effort in their power to 
secure their rights. 

BASIS FOR THEIR CLAIMS. 

The claim of the two parties, in brief, was this: These lands were re- 
served to the Osage Indians by the treaty proclaimed June 2, 1825, soon 
after the conclusion of which the Indians moved upon and occupied them 
up to 1869. On March 3, 1863, an act of Congress was approved, grant- 
ing land to the State of Kansas to aid in the construction of certain rail- 
roads, and among them the Leavenworth, Lawrence & Galveston. On 
July 26, 1866, another land grant was made to the State of Kansas, to 



THE SETTLERS' CONTEST. 361 



aid, among other roads, the buildiug of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas. 
By virtue of their grants these two companies claimed alternate sections 
ten miles wide on each side of their respective lines of road, as finally lo- 
cated, through- the Osage Ceded Lauds. 

On Sept. 29, 1865, a treaty was concluded between the United States 
and the Osage Indians, whereby the latter sold to the United States all 
the land comprising Neosho and Labette counties, to be by the (iovern- 
ment "surveyed and sold under the direction of the Secretary of the In- 
terior on the most advantageous terms for cash, as public lands are 
surveyed and sold under existing laws." 

On June 26, 1866, the Senate amended this treaty by adding to the 
above provision the following: "Including an act granting lands to the 
said State of Kansas in aid of the construction of a railroad through said 
lands." This amendment was accepted by the Indians on Sept. 21, 1866, 
and the treaty as amended was proclaimed by the President on Jan. 21, 
1SG7. It was claimed that the above Senate amendment to the treaty 
recognized the grant already made, if it did not in itself amount to a 
grant to the railroad companies. 

On behalf of the settlers it was contended that the Congressional 
grants in aid of the construction of railroads were grants in prmenti, and 
could not apply to these lands, because, by the treaty of 1825, they were 
' ' reserved lands." It was further contended that the treaty contemplates 
the survey and sale of these lands to actual settlers at ^1.25 per acre. 

The railroad companies applied to the Commissioner of the General 
Land Office for a withdrawal of the lands they claimed under their re- 
spective grams from market. The Commissioner, Hon. Joseph Wilson, 
refused their request on April 26, 1867, and on a renewal of the applica- 
tion again ruled against them on May 17, 1867. From this decision the 
companies appealed to the Secretary of the Interior. On November 8, 
1867, the Secretary, Hon. O. H. Browning, made his decision reversing 
Commissioner Wilson, and aw^arding to the railroad companies all the 
land by them claimed under the grants. The line of the M. K. & T. Rly. 
was definitely made Jan. 7, 1868 : and maps showing the definite location 
of the lines of the two roads having been filed with the Commissioner, 
an order was made on Jan. 21, 1868, withdrawing the lands from market, 
which was forwarded to the land office at Humboldt, where it was re- 
ceived on Feb. 4, 1868, from which time the rights of the companies as 
against the settlers dated. Those who had settled on these lands pre- 
vious to the last-named date were allowed to enter the same after the 
passage of the joint resolution of April 10, 1869. All odd sections not 
then settled on, and all even sections falling within the indemnity limit 
not then settled on, were awarded to the railroad companies. 



362 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

Early in January, 1868, Congressman Clarke introduced a joint resolu- 
tion for the sale of these lauds to actual settlers ; and all during that year 
efforts were made by friends of the settlers to secure legislation in their 
interest, but without success. The Forty-first Congress assembled on 
March 4, 18G9. On the 15th of that month Congressman Clarke again 
introduced a joint resolution for the disposal of the Osage Ceded Lands, 
which passed the House on April 5th, the Sen.ate on the 9th, and received 
the President's approval on April 10, 1869. The passage of this resolu- 
tion was hailed with delight, and it was generally thought that it was so 
worded as to entitle settlers on any portion of the lands to enter the 
same at $1.35 per acre. But when, on June 19, 1869, the Register and 
Receiver of the Land Office gave notice that filings would be received on 
and after July 20th, and proof of settlement and purchase-money on and 
after Sept. 3, 1869, they further stated that, under Instructions from the 
General Land Office, under date of June 3, 1869, the right of the railroad 
companies to these lands under the terms of the land grants would be 
respected. Consternation and indignation now prevailed among the set- 
tlers, and continued to increase in proportion as the repeated rulings of 
the Government officials, as they were called on from time to time to 
further construe the law, seemed to show a disposition to ignore the set- 
tlers' rights and to place their homes more firmly within the grasp of the 
railroads. In different ways the question was brought before the vari- 
ous officers connected with the land department of the Government from 
time to time, and efforts were made to secure a reversal of Secretary 
Browning's ruling, but all to no purpose. When brought before him. 
Secretary Cox sustained the ruling of his predecessor, and of course the 
Commissioner and the land office officers were bound by the decision of 
their superiors. 

Finally, in 1871, the Settlers' Association having employed Judge Law- 
rence, it was hoped to get a final decision in their favor. On an appeal 
taken from the decision of the Humboldt land office the question of the 
rights of the settlers and of the railroads was fully argued, first before 
Hon. William Drummoud, Commissioner of the General Land Office, and 
then, on an appeal from his decision, before Hon. Columbus Delano, Sec- 
retary of the Interior, who called to his aid the Assistant Attorney Gen- 
eral, Hon. W. H. Smith. The settlers' cause was argued by Hon. Wm. 
Lawrence, and the railroads' claims were presented by B. R. Curtis. 

On Jan. 26, 1872, Secretary Delano announced his decision, fully sus- 
taining the railroad companies' claims, and in support of his conclusion 
said: "If I were in doubt about it, yet in view of the former decision 
of my predecessor, Secretary Browning, in favor of the validity of the 
grants, and the refusal of Secretary Cox to reverse that decision, and the 



THE SETTLERS' CONTEST. 363: 

action of the companies under it, I should hesitate long before I would 
disturb rights acquired under that decision." He also gave the lengthy 
opinion of Assistant Attorney General Smith concurring in the opinion 
he had reached. FollowiDg this decision, on Feb. 19, 1S72, President 
Grant issued a patent to the M. K. & T. Rly. Co. for so much of its land 
as it had then selected. 

THE ATTITUDE OF THE PRESS. 

The positions assumed by the local press toward the settlers' cause 
varied at different times during the struggle. Of course different papers 
assumed different positions, and the same papers sometimes changed 
sides — at one time advising resistance to the railroad companies' claim, 
and again counseling compliance. I can only give two or three extracts 
to show these varied sentiments, but anyone who has any desire to see 
the many changes that took place can be gratified by consulting the files 
of the various papers of the two counties. On Jan. 37, 1870, the Osage 
Mission Jo?^?virt^ says : "We think it would be folly for the settlers to 
spend their time and money in trying to beat the railroads out of their 
lands at this late day."' In its issue of Feb. 7, 1873, the Chetopa Ad- 
nance, after announcing the decision of the Secretary of the Interior in 
favor of the railroad companies, says: "While we could wish that the 
decision might have been different, we cannot say that we are disap- 
pointed in the result. Without claiming to comprehend the case fully 
in all its legal bearings, we have always held and expressed the opinion 
that the railroad title to the lands would be confirmed." And again, on 
Feb. 31, 1872, in a leading editorial headed "Better Compromise," the 
same paper says: "In the contest between the railroad and the settlers 
on the Osage Ceded Lands, our readers will remember that we have 
never encouraged them in their efforts to contest the title with the rail- 
roads. We appeal to the settlers and to the railroads to let us have 
peace. The former cannot afford to spend any more money in futile liti- 
gation. Whatever they so spend will be taxed back upon them when 
the title is finally confirmed, with interest to boot." In announcing the 
decision of the Secretary of the Interior the Parsons Sun in its issue of 
Feb. 3, 1873, says: "We are well aware that the above news will fall 
like a thunder-clap on many of the settlers whose expectations have been 
recently raised to the utmost by the favorable reports and opinions from 
Judge Lawrence ; but we have endeavored to prepare them, from time 
to time, to expect the worst, and we now hope that the majority will bow 
to the decision of the Secretary of the Interior and immediately make 
the most favorable terms possible with the railroad companies." 

Most of the papers in both counties, even those most entirely devoted 



364 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

to the settlers' cause, were somewhat waveriug at times in their support. 
In justification of their course, the papers which counseled surrender to 
the railroad companies and compromise with them, pointed out the delay 
and expense attending litigation even in the event of final success, and 
the damage tliat would necessarily result, not only to the contestants, but 
to all the settlers alike, In retarding immigration, preventing improve- 
ment, and embittering the feeling by a contest in the courts. So far as 
the metropolitan press had discussed the matter at all, it had been, as the 
settlers believed, from the standpoint of the railroad companies' position. 
To counteract such influence, and to give the public an understanding of 
their position, the Grand Council appointed a committee, of which T. P. 
Leech was one of the members, (the other names I have not been able to 
get,) to prepare an address to the public setting forth the settlers' cause, 
together with their determination to obtain a decision in the highest court 
of the country upon its merits, with a willingness on their part to abide 
by such judgment. They caused this address to be published in leading 
papers in Eastern cities, and thereby brought their cause into more prom- 
inence than it had hitherto attained. 

SETTLERS' PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION. 

Most of the settlers who attended the great meeting at Ladore on 
July 4, 1870, remained over until the 5th, when another meeting was 
held, to more practically discuss the rights and prospects of the settlers. 
Major H. C. Whitney and John Speer, who had been the principal ora- 
tors the day previous, made speeches. Major Whitney more particularly 
discussed the legal aspect of the matter, and advised united action on the 
part of the settlers. At the conclusion of the address the following was 
unanimously adopted by the settlers : 

"•Whereas, By a treaty with the Osages, proclaimed in January, 1867, 
it was provided that the lands since known as the Osage Ceded Lands 
should be sold for cash, which treaty the Commissioner of the General 
Laud Office authoritatively decided did not vest any title to lands therein 
in land monopolies ; and whereas, a joint resolution of April 10, 1869, 
provided for the sale of all said lauds to actual settlers at ^1.25 per acre ; 
and whereas, said treaty and decision of the Conmiissiouer of the Gen- 
eral Land Office and joint resolutions have been set at naught by a mere 
arbitrary ruling of a late Secretary, made upon an ex, 'parte application 
of the land monopolies, and based upon a mistaken precedent; and 
whereas, our right to our homes and our all is menaced by said monopo- 
lies : now, therefore, be it 

'■'■ Resolved, That we will contest for our titles under the joint resolution 
aforesaid to the extreme limit of the law ; and to secure this end we will 
organize thoroughly and with discipline so as to bring the entire material 
and moral force of the whole array of settlers to bear throughout the 
whole contest. 



THE SETTLERS' CONTEST. 3^5 



''Resolved, That the settlers are hereby soleniDly warned uot to squan- 
der their means in the attempted purchase of an illeaal and void monop- 
oly title to their homes, which title must sooner or later be overthrown ; 
but they each and all are earnestly entreated to join the settlers' organi- 
zation and obtain a title direct from the Geueial Government, which shall 
be cheap, staunch, and unmistakable. 

''Resolved, That we hereby appoint the followina: temporary executive 
committee, viz.: Col. W. H. Carpenter, George T. Walton, \Vm. S. Irwin, 
Lewis A. Keese, Van Heuderletter, Peter Collins, M. H. .Sheldon, A. S. 
Spaulding, and J. M. Richardson ; and they are heieby requested to form 
and promulgate to the settlers for their consideration, a plan of perma- 
nent executive committee; to adopt such measures as may be essential to 
promote the interests of the settlers ; and that said executive committee 
is requested to prepare an address to the settlers, and to publish the same 
immediately. 

"Resolved, That the settlers are hereby requested immediately to as- 
semble in neighborhood meetings, each neighborhood to select a good 
and true man competent to serve as a member of the permanent execu- 
tive committee. The executive committee are requested to select from 
said list nine members, in such manner as that all localities on the Ceded 
Lands shall be represented, and said selection shall be the permanent ex- 
ecutive committee for one year from date of organization. 

"Resolved, That from this time henceforth we mean business, and upon 
our efforts to save our homes we invoke the just consideration of all true 
men and the gracious favor of Almighty God." 

The committee appointed by the foregoing resolutions at once took 
steps to perfect the organization, and W. S. Irwin was elected its presi- 
dent. On Oct. 1.5, 1870, a charter for the purpose of incorporating the 
"Settlers' Protective Association of the Osage Ceded Lands" was pre- 
pared, and signed by William Irwin, David C. Hutchinson, George W. 
McMillen, J. M. Richardson, and others, which was filed in the office of 
the Secretary of State Oct. 1, 1870. The charter states the object of the 
corporation as follows: "The purpose for which this corporation is 
formed is the promotion of immigration to said lands, and the legal inves- 
tigation and proper adjustment of the title thereto." In the fall of 1870 sub- 
ordinate councils were organized in nearly every part of the two counties. 

The first regular meeting of the Grand Council after its formal organ- 
ization was held at the town of Labette, on Dec. 17, 1870. At this 
meeting the following officers w^ere elected for the ensuing year : Presi- 
dent, J. J. Woods; secretary-, Samuel R. Luke; executive committee, 
D. C. Hutchinson, G. ^Y. McMillen, J. J. AVoods, A. J. Campbell, J. B. 
Swart, J. C. Bundy, J. M. Gaston, M. H. Sheldon, James Martin. D. 
C. Hutchinson and G. W. McMillen were appointed financial agents, and 
directed to canvass both counties for funds. Early in January, 1871, the 
executive committee published a long and carefully prepared address to 
the settlers, setting forth the necessity for their standing together and 



366 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

contributing of their means to a common fund in order to reach an end 
by all alike desired ; it set forth that Major Whitney had been employed 
as attorney to conduct a contested case through the court, and that the 
case of J. M. Richardson against the railroad company had been insti- 
tuted for the purpose of contesting the question of title. 

The association proceeded to spread itself over the two counties, and 
to do much good work in the shape of enlisting the settlers in the united 
action for their homes. As the work progressed it became evident that 
a knowledge of their action on the part of the public interfered with the 
accomplishment of their plans, and so it was decided to form a secret 
organization retaining the main features of the old association, but add- 
ing to it a secret obligation and some ritualistic work. Of the introduction 
of this feature into the association, I will let those speak who were con- 
nected with it. Hon. T. P. Leech, of Thayer, writes me as follows: 

"My individual experience and knowledge of facts connected wath the 
Osage Ceded Lands contest involved in the history and transactions of 
the Settlers' Protective Association began in 1871, when William Dick 
(well known and recognized all over the Ceded Lands as 'Father Dick') 
organized a subordinate council of the S. P. A. of O. C. L., in the school- 
house near my place. He informed us that there had been a number of 
old settlers' meetings held at different places on the Ceded Lands in the 
past, for the purpose of organizing a legal contest with the railroad com- 
panies to test the validity of their claim to these lands, but that the work 
had been openly and voluntarily done, and only a portion of the old set- 
tlers had taken interest in the matter; and that at a meeting held at La- 
hore— earlier known as Fort Roach — it had been decided to regularly 
organize (as a secret organization) the Osage Ceded Land Settlers' Pro- 
tective Association, and enlist, if possible, all those whose homes were 
involved in the controversy, and all others w^ho were in sympathy with 
them. Many subordinate councils had been formed before our neighbor- 
hood had been reached, and the work of organization was going on rap- 
idly. And so Father Dick read to us the printed declaration of purposes, 
the constitution and by-laws that were to govern the association ; and as 
it was clearly set forth that the purpose was to secure concerted action 
in making the strongest possible legal contest for our rights, I cast my 
lot with my neighbors (although my individual home was not in contro- 
versy, and neither was Father Dick's), and I shall probably never forget 
the concluding paragraph of the obligation given us by Father Dick in 
his most impressive manner, and which was repeated by all the candi- 
dates, as follows : 

" 'All of this I most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will keep and 
perform, without any equivocation or mental reservation whatever; binding myself 
under no less a penaitv than that of having a rope looped round my neck and I be 
swung in the air till life become extinct. So help me God, and keep me steadfast.' " 

The followiug letter will give further information on this same subject : 

"Parsons, Kas., Sept. 1, 1892. 
''Hon. Nelson Case, Oswego, 7ta«.— Dear Sir: In response to your re- 
<iuest for the facts relative to the secret organization of the Settlers' Pro- 



THE SETTLERS' CONTEST. 367 



tective Association, I submit the following, which is of course but a brief 
statement of what might be indefinitely enlarged. 

"The open organization, which had been in existence some tinje, 
proved very unsatisfactory in its working, and a few of us became satis- 
fied that our purposes could only be accomplished through a secret or- 
ganization. It was feared that some parties, such as the Catholics, 
Dunkards, Quakers, and United Brethren, would not go into a secret or- 
ganization; but others argued that for the purposes contemplated all 
these parties could be expected to unite. The first actual steps taken 
toward forming the secret organization were at my house, about the first 
of October, 1871. My father, William Dick, and I had beea to a meet- 
ing at the Catalpa school-house, in Neosho county, the proceedings of 
which convinced us that something must be done to ]:»ring matters more 
completely under the control of those really in earnest in the settlers' in- 
terest. \ye counseled with T. B. Smith and D. D. Lindsey, and all met 
at my house. We were all members of the Masonic order, and agreed to 
organize a Secret Settlers' Protective Association. I was to draw the 
constitution and by-laws, and father was to prepare the oath, and we 
were to meet at my house the next evening to initiate the work. We 
four met there as agreed; the constitution, by-laws and oath were laid 
on a small table, the four surrounding it with our left hands on the in- 
struments and our right hands raised; father recited the oath, the others 
repeating it over after him, and then Mr. Lindsey recited the oath to 
father and he repeated it aftf r him. During the whole history of the 
organization the oath remained the same as it was then written and 
used, and was never by authority put in print. Before parting it was 
agreed that each person present should select one person whom he could 
trust, and bring with him the following evening to father's house. The 
four selected were W. A. Starr, Wm. Findley, J. B. Swart, and James 
McMains. At the time appointed the eight met, and the four new mem- 
bers were initiated in the same manner as the first had been. It was 
again agreed that each one present should select one and bring with him 
the following night at the same place; these eight were initiated. This 
meeting lasted until nearly morning ; the general work was mapped out, 
its difficulties and dangers discussed, and what was hoped to be accom- 
plished was talked over. Before starting away it was arranged to hold 
the next meeting at Carpenter's school-house, in District No. 30, and that 
each party present should select two persons to bring with him at that meet- 
ing. The next meeting was to be held a week later, each one present to 
bring one additional person with him. When we came together, in addi- 
tion to the forty-eight new members who were to be selected by those 
who had already been initiated, there were four who came along, having 
learned that something was to be done, and who were received along 
with the others, making just one hundred present at this meeting. It 
was now determined to form a permanent organization, and elect officers. 
The following were elected: Chief counselor, William Dick; vice-coun- 
selor, J. B. Swart; secretary, J. H. McGheeheu : treasurer, Jas. McMains. 
Jiy the first of November the organization had grown so unwieldy that it 
was determined to form auxiliary councils. The first one was organized 
in the southeast corner of Wilson county; another soon after, at what 
was then called the McCormick school-house, in District 19, in Labette 
county; another one at the Shiloh school-house, in Neosho county ; and 



368 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

others later at other points. Parties came for a distance of twenty miles 
to be initiated and learn the particulars of the organization. Dr. G. W. 
McMillen. of Neosho county, having been initiated, was, with Father 
Dick, appointed to organize new councils. About the first of January, 
1873, delegates from all the secret councils met at Hughes's hall, in Par- 
sons, and organized a grand council. The following officers were elected : 
Grand chief counselor, Dr. G. W. McMillen ; grand vice-counselor, J. B. 
Swart; grand chief secretary, M. H. Sheldon; grand chief treasurer, 
William Dick. An executive committee of five was also elected. The 
work thus organized went on until the cause for which it was formed had 
completely triumphed. Yours truly, L. F. Dick." 

At the close of 1873 Hon. M. J. Salter, of Thayer, was elected Grand 
Chief Counselor, which position he held most if not all the time until the 
final decision of the Supreme Court, and until the close of the work of 
the association. Mr. Sheldon likewise remained Grand Secretary and 
Wm. Dick Grand Treasurer during the entire time. Among those who 
were on the executive committee and did good work were T. P. Leech, 
J. B. Swart, G. W. McMillen. To mention all who were prominently 
connected with it would be to extend this account to a greater length 
than could be given in this work. The executive committee held monthly 
meetings, and sometimes met more frequently, and the Grand Council 
met as often as once a year, and it was sometimes called together on spe- 
cial occasions. Unfaltering interest was maintained until the accom- 
plishment of the purpose for which the association was organized. 

CONSTITUTION OF THE ASSOCIATION. 

The constitution of the association and the rules by which it was gov- 
erned were somewhat of a growth. The following were the main pro- 
visions as finally adopted and as they were in use for several years : 

"Preamble of the S. P. A. — In consequence of an adverse claim 
to the settlers upon the Osage Ceded Lands, held by the Leavenworth, 
Lawrence & Galveston Railroad Company, the Missouri, Kansas & Texas 
Railway Company; and as it is generally believed that this claim cannot 
be established by law, as it is based upon fraud and misinterpretation of 
the treaty and the act of Congress, and in conflict with the policy of the 
Government. This claim being wrong, and injurious to the settlers upon 
these lauds, who came here by the invitation of the Government and by 
the solicitation of the press of the State, setting forth the fact that the 
lands were opened for settlement by the Government, for the industrious 
citizens of the United States, and upon this representation and in good 
faith the people have settled upon these lands, and by toil and privation 
have made valuable improvements and homes for the support of their 
wives and little ones. When these lands became valuable by the improve- 
ments placed upon them by the industry and intelligence of the settlers, 
these companies did set up their claim, and have attempted to dispose of 
by sale, these lands together with the improvements, compelling in some 
cases the settler to purchase his own labor to prevent so great and sad a 



THE SETTLERS' CONTEST. 3^9 



calamity as that of having his family driven beggars from the home they 
had by toil and privation made : 

"Now in view of all these wrongs, and many others not herein men- 
tioned, we, the settlers upon the Osage Ceded Lands in Kansas, do or- 
ganize ourselves into a select organization to be known as the S. B, of 
the S. P. A., for the purpose of protecting ourselves and to test these 
claims of these railway companies in the highest courts of our country. 

"We therefore enter into the foregoing agreement, and pledge our 
honor to stand to and abide by the following constitution, rules and by- 
laws of the association : 

"Article I. — Title. — This organization shall be known by the name, 
style and title of the Secret Brotherhood of the Settlers' Protective Asso- 
ciation of the Osage Ceded Lands in Kansas, and the initials S. B. S. P. 
A. O. C. L. shall represent the name of the organization. 

"Article 1L — Objects. — The objects to be accomplished by this organ- 
ization are as follows : 

"1st. To strengthen, harmonize and preserve the feelings of the set- 
tlers upon the Osage Ceded Lands. 

"2d. To make these feelings efficient in litigating and contesting our 
rights as actual settlers in legal tribunals of our country. 

" 3d. For the protection and assistance of all such settlers whose rights 
are invaded by monopolies and corporations. 

"4th. To establish and secure the rights of the settlers on the Osage 
Ceded Lands by all legal, moral, social means in control. 

"5th. To extend the hand of charity and brotherly love to all the 
honest and industrious laboring classes, and to assist them by our coun- 
sel and honest means in securing honesty in our Government, integrity 
in our people, and placing the honest labor of our country on a more 
equal footing, mentally, morally and socially. 

"6th. To resist all incroachments of monopoly and pampered aristoc- 
racy, when and wherever found, to demand that honest labor shall be 
respected and protected all over the f nited States. 

"Article IlL — Organization. — The several constituted bodies of this 
association shall consist of — 

"1st. District organizations, to be known as the S. P. A. Council No. 
— , of County, of the State of Kansas. 

"2d. The general organization be known as the Grand Council of the 
S. B. S. P. A. of the O. C. L. in K. N. A., page 5." 

[Provision was made by Article lY for settlers and those sympathizing 
with them to become members of the association. Article Y provided 
for the election of members, and Article YI for the impeachment of 
members.] 

"Article YIL — Officers. — 1st. The officers of each Council shall be 
a Chief Counselor, a Senior Vice-Counselor, a Junior Yice-Counselor, a 
Secretary, a Treasurer, a Chief Marshal, a Junior Marshal, who shall be 
elected by the members semi-annually. 

^ "2d. The officers of the Grand Council shall be a Grand Chief Coun- 
selor, Grand Senior and Grand Junior Counselor, Grand Chief, Grand 
Senior and Grand Junior Marshal, Secretary, and Treasurer, who shall 
be elected by the members of the Grand Council semi-annually. 

"3d. The members of the Grand Council shall consist of the repre- 
— ~'4 



370 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 

sentatives from each sub-coimcil elected by the members of the subordi- 
nate Council to represent them in the Grand Council." 

[Article Vlll provided for the duties of the respective officers, and 
Article IX for the times of meeting.] 

"Article X. — Secresy. — 1st. The proceedings of the Council shall be 
kept a secret. 

"2d. Anj^ member who shall divulge any of the secrets shall suffer 
the penalty of his obligation, or such punishment as the court in his wis- 
dom shall direct." 

[Article XI provided for the fees ; Article XII for the collection of 
arrearages ; Article XIII for reports ; Article XIV for charters to subor- 
dinate Councils; Article XV for the election of officers; Article XVI for 
representation in the Grand Council; Article XVII for by-laws; and 
Article XVIII for amendments.] 

LEGAL MEASURES. 

As soon as the settlers decided on contesting their rights in court they 
employed Major H. C. Whitney, of Humboldt, as their attorney. Under 
his advice a suit was brought in the District Court for Labette county, in 
the name of James M. Richardson against the M. K. & T. Rly. Co., in 
October, 1870, to obtain an adjudication of the rights of the settlers who 
had been refused entry at the land office to their lands. Some were not 
satisfied with Mr. Whitney's management of the settlers' matters, and in 
February, 1871, he withdrew as their attorney. Messrs. McComas & 
McKeighan, of Fort Scott, were then employed by the settlers. The suit 
first begun was dismissed because of some informality in its commence- 
ment, or for some other reason, and a new suit by Richardson was insti- 
tuted. A suit was also commenced in the name of James AYood. These 
suits were instituted for the purpose of quieting the title of the plaintiffs 
to their lands, and to determine that the claim of the railroads thereto 
was without foundation. In the case in which Wood was plaintiff, the 
district court held that, upon the facts as stated in his petition, he had 
no standing in court. The case was appealed to the Supreme Court, 
where the judgment of the district court was affirmed. It was soon ap- 
parent to all that the real question at issue between the settlers and the 
railroads could not be finally determined by these individual suits to quiet 
title, and plans were laid to secure action on the part of the United 
States in the Federal courts. It was first believed that an act of Con- 
gress would be required to secure this result, and the Kansas Legislature 
memorialized Congress to pass a bill authorizing such action ; but the 
matter having been brought to the attention of the executive department 
of the Government, the Attorney General expressed a willingness, on 
the application of the Senators from Kansas, to direct suit to be brought 
in the name of the United States without any action on the part of Con- 
gress. In addition to Messrs. McComas tSL- McKeighan, the settlers had 



THE SETTLERS^ CONTEST. 



371 



iu their employ Gov. Shaunou, Judge Wm. Lawreuce, and Hon. Jere. 
Black. George R. Peck had recently been appointed U. S. District At- 
torney for Kansas, and through him, representing the Government, and 
the above-named attorneys representing the settlers' association, as his 
assistants, two suits were commenced on Feb. 25, 1874, in the U. S. 
Circuit Court on the part of the United States, one against the M. K. & 
T. and one against the L. L. & G., for the purpose of obtaining a decree 
canceling the patents theretofore issued to them by the General Govern- 
ment. Jn October following, the judgment of that court was announced, 
fully sustaining the settlers' claim, and directing the patents that had 
been issued to the railroads to be canceled. The companies at once took 
the case in error to the Supreme Court of the United States, where it 
was ably and fully argued on October 20, 21, and 22, 1875. On April 10, 
1876, the judgment of that court was rendered, sustaining the decision 
of the Circuit Court, and finally and conclusively affirming the right of 
the settlers to these lands. Both of these decisions were hailed with 
great delight by the settlers, and immense ratification meetings were 
held all over the said lands in honor of the event. Not only to their 
paid attorneys who so ably represented the settlers, but also to Hon. Geo. 
R. Peck, who, throughout the contest in both the Circuit and Supreme 
Courts, brought to their aid his best talents, were the settlers largely in- 
debted for the victory thus won. 

FURTHER LEGISLATION. 
As soon as the decision was announced, steps were at once taken to 
procure Congressional legislation whereby the settlers could obtain title, 
the time in which this could be done under the joint resolution of April 10, 
18G9, having long theretofore expired. A bill was prepared by Gov.' 
Shannon, approved by the Grand Council, and rapidly pushed through 
Congress by Hon. John R. Goodin, who then represented this district in 
the House, and our Senators in the Senate; and it was on August 11, 
1876, approved by the President. 

EXPENSES. 
The expenses attending the contest in the courts were of course very 
great. Fees of the attorneys who were employed, two or three of whom 
had national reputation, were large, and many other expenses had to be 
borne. Nearly every settler on the Ceded Lands, whether he had or 
had not acquired title to his home, or whether the title was or was not 
involved and depended upon litigation then in progress, came to the aid 
of the cause by giving his note. Those whose title was not in contest 
gave a shorter form of note, but those whose land was in litigation gave 
notes which were generally in the following form : 



372 HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY. 



"AGREEMENT. 



'Know all Men hy these Presents : That whereas, the undersigned, 
-, has settled upon and improved tlie quarter of section — , 



town — , range — , situated in the county of and State of Kansas, 

and claims the same under the preemption laws of the United States ; 

and whereas, the Railroad Company claim the same laud, under 

and by virtue of the laws of the United States; and whereas, the said 
contending parties are about to make up test cases to submit to the judi- 
cial tribunals of the country, so as to procure a judicial determination of 
the question whether said land is or is not subject to preemption, or 
whether the said railroad company has any right thereto or not; and 
whereas, the undersigned, with others holding similar preemption rights, 
is desirous to secure the professional services of Hon. J. S. Black of 
Pennsylvania, Hon. Wm. Lawrence of Ohio, and Hon. Wilson Shannon 
sr. of Kansas, in the argument and management of said case and the legal 

questions involved therein : Now, therefore, I, , in consideration 

of said legal services, do obligate and bind myself to pay to the said J. S. 

Black, Wm. Lawrence, and Wilson Shannon sr., the sum of dollars, 

so soon as the court of final resort shall determine that said railroad com- 
pany is not entitled to said lands, and that the same are subject to pre- 
emption under the laws of the United States. The determination of any 
one case is to be considered as determining the legal questions as to all 
other lands similarly situatedas to the legal questions involved in the case. 

"Given imder my hand, this — day of , A. D. 1873. 

"Attest: [Seal.]" 

In this way the main part of the money recjuired to meet the expenses 
of the suit was raised; but in January, 1874, the Legislature passed an 
act appropriating $3,500 on the part of the State to assist in this enter- 
prise. The incidental expenses of the association were met by quarterly 
dues of twenty-five cents per member. 

It is not improbable that many settlers spent as much in time and 

money in carrying on the contest as their homes would have cost them 

had they purchased them from the railroad companies ; but taking the 

whole body of settlers the cost was comparatively small compared with 

what they would have had to pay for their title had they obtained it 

through the railroad companies. One thing that had a strong tendency 

r^*f to unite the settlers in making the contest was the exorbitant price put 

Qr\ upon the lands by the companies when they were placed on the market 

and offered for sale. Had the lands, as soon as the companies obtained 

their patents, been offered for sale at a fair price, it is not unlikely that 

/^^^ so large a proportion of the settlers would have purchased, that the others 

j^p^ would have been without sufficient strength to successfully inaugurate 

_ and carry on the contest. 

"^ The settlers had a right to congratulate themselves over the result, not 

-XT only because it secured them individually great personal advantages, but 

not less because it was a vindication of a right principle, and showed that 

a body of men, though poor, when banded together and determined may 

secure their rights even against great odds. 



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